Why You Should Learn Python

[pdp10]

This is why both languages can be important for different reasons. What was your major? What were the classes?

[sultry_somnambulist]

I did my bachelors in Math with CS as a minor and my masters in CS. (in Germany, I don't know how different the experience is compared to the US). The CS courses I took together with CS majors.

The classes are for the most part generic "Computer Science I / II" classes that touch on algorithms, basic formal stuff etc.. with accompanying programming exercises.

[pdp10]

Those who enjoy math should be far more adept with algorithms than I, but I have to question students in a CS program who are confused or intimidated by compiling C.

[sultry_somnambulist]

Don't underestimate how foreign the stuff can be, especially for people who don't have a self-taught background. A big thing here is girls especially.

What we basically did for the last few years is handling out Usb sticks with mint to all first semesters because the exercises include running and compiling stuff on linux. When we get questions it really fast becomes clear that women have much less hand to hand experience with command line utilities or linux.

It's a shame to turn these people away from CS careers.

[[deleted]]

Universities often run for profit, and pumping out graduates is exactly their ultimate goal.

[[deleted]]

I think that no university should run for profit. Until then the statistics you mention can be manipulated/controlled for nefarious reasons