The best thing Python has going for it is that it's an exceptionally good learning language. It's very easy to go from zero coding experience at all to making a simple hangman type game, and from there introduce OO concepts and so on.
And if you stick with it, unlike with most 'proper' educational languages, by the end you've learned a language that's actually useful for all kinds of stuff.
I don't think there's any other language out there with such a nice, even learning curve, with that kind of payoff. Javascript is, let's be honest, a bit weird. PHP is enough rope for anyone to hang themselves. Ruby is quick to get started on, but gets conceptually dense pretty quickly. (Sure, we all complain about having to write 'self' everywhere in Python, but compared with the way 'self' dances around in a Ruby class definition, it's much easier to learn.)
I note, on topic, that most newer beginner's Python books etc target 3.x nowadays - maybe the RPi generation will force things along. Maybe not.
And if you stick with it, unlike with most 'proper' educational languages, by the end you've learned a language that's actually useful for all kinds of stuff.
I don't think there's any other language out there with such a nice, even learning curve, with that kind of payoff. Javascript is, let's be honest, a bit weird. PHP is enough rope for anyone to hang themselves. Ruby is quick to get started on, but gets conceptually dense pretty quickly. (Sure, we all complain about having to write 'self' everywhere in Python, but compared with the way 'self' dances around in a Ruby class definition, it's much easier to learn.)
I note, on topic, that most newer beginner's Python books etc target 3.x nowadays - maybe the RPi generation will force things along. Maybe not.