A comparison of C, Matlab and Python as teaching languages in engineering
Fangohr, Hans (2004) A comparison of C, Matlab and Python as teaching languages in engineering. In, Bubak, Martin, van Albada, Geert Dick, Sloot, Peter M.A. and Dongarra, Jack J. (eds.) Computational Science - ICCS 2004: 4th International Conference. ICCS 2004: 4th International Conference , Springer, 1210-1217. (Lecture Notes in Computer Science 3039). (doi:10.1007/b98005).
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Description/Abstract
We describe and compare the programming languages C, MATLAB and Python as teaching languages for engineering students. We distinguish between two distinct phases in the process of converting a given problem into a computer program that can provide a solution: (i) finding an algorithmic solution and (ii) implementing this in a particular programming language. It is argued that it is most important for the understanding of the students to perform the first step whereas the actual implementation in a programming language is of secondary importance for the learning of problem-solving techniques. We therefore suggest to chose a well-structured teaching language that provides a clear and intuitive syntax and allows students to quickly express their algorithms. In our experience in engineering computing we find that MATLAB is much better suited than C for this task but the best choice in terms of clarity and functionality of the language is provided by Python.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | ISSN of series: 0302-9743 |
| ISBNs: | 3540221298 (hardback) |
| Related URLs: | |
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software |
| Divisions: | University Structure - Pre August 2011 > School of Engineering Sciences University Structure - Pre August 2011 > School of Engineering Sciences > Computational Engineering and Design |
| Item ID: | 22811 |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Mar 2006 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Jun 2012 09:57 |
| Contributors: | Fangohr, Hans (Author) Bubak, Martin (Editor) van Albada, Geert Dick (Editor) Sloot, Peter M.A. (Editor) Dongarra, Jack J. (Editor) |
| Date: | 2004 |
| Additional Information: | ISSN of series: 0302-9743 |
| Status: | Published |
| Publisher: | Springer |
| URI: | http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/22811 |
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