Options: Grades 9 to 12

The below descriptions integrate text from software vendors' descriptions of the various products and the website authors' commentary.

Java

Java is an object-oriented programming language. It is portable, meaning it can be executed on multiple operating systems. It is easy to use, has vast user libraries, and is very robust. Like Python it affords automatic memory management and garbage collection. The Computer Science AP classes and exams currently use Java.

Used in: High School

Availability: Programming languages are free and run on all major operating systems.

Python

Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language. Its design philosophy emphasizes programmer productivity and code readability. Python's core syntax and semantics are minimalist, while the standard library is large and comprehensive. Python supports multiple programming paradigms (primarily functional, object oriented and imperative), and features a fully dynamic type system and automatic memory management.

We propose first learning Python in conjunction with RUR-PLE, which is an environment designed to help you learn computer programming using the language Python. Within an artificial world in which a robot can be programmed to perform various tasks, students will learn what it means to write a computer program, using Python's syntax. Students will also be able to apply their programming skills in a more traditional environment using the built-in interpreter.

Used in: Middle School to High School

Availability: Programming languages are free and run on all major operating systems.