Python indentation deters newbies?

[Dave Brueck]

beliavsky at aol.com wrote:

> One of the most commmon reasons programmers cite for not trying Python
> is that indentation determines the program flow -- they think its
> weird.

Yes, that is commonly cited. From the programmer's perspective, 
indentation implies program flow in nearly *all* modern languages. The 
difference is that in Python the compiler believes you.

> I think programmers who actually try Python adapt quickly and
> do not find the indentation rules to be a problem.

Yep!

> I wonder if there is a way to remove this initial barrier.

I sure hope not... if someone can't accept that there might be value in 
it being different than what they're used to (so much so that they're 
unwilling even to give it a try), then the indentation is only the first 
of many things that will give them problems.

In that sense it's really useful - maybe it weeds out people who 
wouldn't be happy in Python yet anyway <0.5 wink>.

-Dave