[ubuntu-za] Sa computer olympiad

[Stefano Rivera]

Hi Hilton (2009.09.30_12:23:28_+0200)
> Now the question is really, Is the results so overwhelming because they 
> used Python instead of Delphi, VB, Java,etc?

No, not really. Python actually makes life harder for the organisers, because
it has different performance characteristics to C++ and Java (the languages
used in most programming competitions).

Apparently Mark's sponsorship isn't confirmed beyond next year, so this may
come to an end soon.

> Then 2nd question is that Python is not taught or recognised a 
> programming language by the National Department of Education. If it 
> contributed to better learner software development skills, then why not?

To win the "python prize" (which is 5 times the size of the normal prize) you
only need to use python in the last round. About 50% of the final round
participants used C++ or Java in earlier rounds.

These students will also have to be trained in C++ after this, as the
University-level competitions are C++ / Java. Many of them retain their love
for Python, though :)

SR

-- 
Stefano Rivera
  http://tumbleweed.org.za/
  H: +27 21 465 6908 C: +27 72 419 8559  UCT: X4057