Hacker News Reader

Comment by mrdrozdov | Hacker News Reader

    These lessons teach Python version 3. While our lessons 
    aim to be self-contained, if you decide to search online 
    for other information about Python, be aware that Python 
    version 2 is also commonly used and is incompatible in 
    some ways.

:( This is super confusing information for a new programmer.

View on HN

Honestly, this is often true of anything that isn't purely academic or so new that no previous version exists(its not always mentioned, but its generally true.) One way or another, you are going to get bit by it, and Python is nothing special.

I agree. I feel like there are plenty of other choices to pick from for a beginner's first programming language other than Python. Perhaps SmallBasic (http://smallbasic.com/)?

But nobody uses smallbasic, and millions of people use Python.

edit: I'm being hyperbolic here, but I think ubiquity is extremely important. You want people to be able to play.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com