Python puts a squeeze on java for CS0 and beyond

This paper compares Python with Java for teaching CS0, the first introductory course for computer science majors. Python has a simpler and more elegant syntax than Java. Python has an open, community-based development model managed by the non-profit Python Software Foundation; while Java is proprietary. Both Python and Java provide support for Graphical User Interfaces and object-oriented programming but Java seems to be more complex. These features make Python more suitable than Java for CS0 and more advanced courses.