Using C for the First Programming Course

[Gary Fostel]

    It is widely assumed by many CSC types, that Pascal is the only
    proper and practical way to introduce programming. Furhter, it is
    commonly asserted that C is a particularly bad choice of languages
    for the first course.  I am not interested in engaging in an open
    ended and probably endless debate about the truth of these claims
    nor do I assert that they are valid or invalid.  

    I am however, interested in hearing about university level courses
    that use C for the "first programming course".  This course should
    be one that has substantial student programming involvement, and 
    for which there are no prerequisits, except possible previous
    knowledge of typing, and really trival computer literacy.  If you
    have some experienve to relate, please provide a few details about
    it, such as which text was used, which programming environment was
    used, what sorts of students were involved, how large the classes
    were and what pahse of the moon was dominant during the final exam.

    If I get an useful number of responses I will summarize them.  
    This is a serious issue, as we are currently debating the feasibility
    of moving away from Pascal in these early course here at NCSU, and
    some real experience may either help us take the plunge or  else
    encourage us to remain conservative.  This sounce rude, but I am
    not anxious to field 10**5 responses about why it is or is not 
    a good idea; I am interested primarily in real, actual honest to
    goodness teaching experience.  

    Send mail to:   fostel at cscadm.ncsu.edu

    Thanks
----gary----