Freedom to succeed: a three course introductory sequence using Python and Java

Abstract

In this paper we describe our three course introductory sequence. The key features of this three course sequence are that CS1 and CS2 are taught using Python. We have found that after two semesters of Python students are more mature and make the transition to Java quite easily. Because we stay with Python for two semesters we can cover more data structures in depth. Because the students are already familiar with key concepts, they easily learn more advanced features of Java in CS3.