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Sat, Nov 4, 9:00 - 9:25, Normandy B     Paper (refereed)
Recommended Citation: Dehinbo, J.  Determining suitable programming language for the Bachelor of Technology (IT) curriculum.  In The Proceedings of the Information Systems Education Conference 2006, v 23 (Dallas): §3144. ISSN: 1542-7382.
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Determining suitable programming language for the Bachelor of Technology (IT) curriculum

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Refereed10 pages
Johnson Dehinbo    [a1] [a2]
Department of Web & Multimedia Applications
Tshwane University of Technology    [u1] [u2]
Pretoria, South Africa    [c1] [c2]

Various programming languages are being taught in tertiary institutions in South Africa leading to repetition. Also, there is a low pass rate for some of these languages. This study aims at identifying a suitable programming language. Previous studies have generally compared programming languages without reference to specific use. Also, some comparisons did not use various criteria with various methodologies. Survey and programming experimentation were used in this study. Questionnaires were administered to respondents using any of the four languages: C++, Java, Visual Basic, and Pascal in different study groups. For the experimentation the line of codes (LOC) for solutions to a given problem using each of the programming languages were determined. It was found that Pascal is simple to write for beginners, but not suitable for complex tasks. VB is found easy to use under pressure and has the smallest line of code (LOC) making it also easier to learn. C++ and Pascal also have reasonable LOC (8). Java however, has the longest LOC, making it more difficult for beginners to learn. Like VB, Java is found suitable for complex jobs and is considered very flexible. The study recommends C++, Java and VB, using a systematic combination to achieve the desired result.

Keywords: programming languages, teaching, curriculum, classroom

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