I'm curious about the implications of teaching students Python using an outdated version. Back in high school, I learned on Python 3.4.2, which was already not the latest version at that time. The school briefly upgraded to 3.7 but reverted to 3.4.2 shortly after, claiming it was to accommodate students working on long-term projects. Now, in college, we started with 3.12, but I've just learned that it's been downgraded to 3.10 due to updates to our computers. As I begin this new year, I'm wondering: are there any real drawbacks to using an older version for teaching the basics and a couple of projects?
4 Answers
Using Python 3.10 isn't all bad. For beginners, most of what they learn will still apply across versions. However, they might miss out on some conveniences like f-strings and better error messaging introduced in later versions. It's also important to teach them about version control in coding, especially with virtual environments, as coding with outdated packages can lead to confusion when more advanced features or packages are introduced later on.
Yeah, teaching them to use the latest features will give them a much better foundation.
Honestly, sticking with an outdated version like 3.4.2 is not ideal at all. The IT manager’s reasoning was off base; students should be using virtual environments that allow them to work with the appropriate versions for their projects without being tied to what's installed system-wide. They should be learning on at least 3.11 or 3.12 at this point—versions that still receive updates and support.
Virtual environments do sound like a good solution. It's frustrating they didn't use them!
Exactly! Virtual environments are a crucial skill for managing project dependencies.
It really depends on what you're teaching. If it's just the basics or intermediate stuff, there won't be much difference between Python 3.10 and the latest versions. The core principles of Python have remained pretty stable for a while now. But if you plan to dive into advanced topics, then having a newer version could matter more. It's probably best to stick with at least 3.11 or later for more relevant features.
Do you have examples of those advanced topics where version differences matter?
Absolutely! The new features like f-strings and type hinting were introduced in later versions, which can be very useful.
In truth, as long as you stick to Python 3.x, you should be fine for teaching basics. Each version brings some changes, but for introductory material, you don't need the very latest. Just make sure students are aware that some libraries or methods may not work with older versions, which could lead to frustration when they try to explore deeper later on.
That's good to know! Focusing on the core concepts is what matters most at this stage.
Yes, as long as they grasp the fundamental concepts, they'll learn to adapt as they progress!
That makes sense! Those features could really help with learning.