D vs Java as a first programming language

[Anders F Björklund]

Nicolas Sicard wrote:

> I am new to D, and I think I have discovered a programming language 
> close to my ideal one...
> 
> On the web site, it is said: "Who D is Not For [...] As a first 
> programming language - [...] Java is more suitable for beginners.".
> Is this based on experience?
> 
> I am a teacher in a field where my students don't know what a 
> programming language is! I need a language for a first approach of 
> programming. I would say that Pascal, or BASIC even if a bit outdated, 
> or even D would fit, but not Java.

I think Python replaced Pascal and BASIC in the succession of horrible
languagues that you learn in school and are hard to unlearn later...

Should be great for non-programmers. ;-)
--anders