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• Arduino Bias
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  The Arduino is a very impressive and capable platform. However to imply that its programming language is easy for beginners by saying it is "simple" is misleading at best.
  
  No beginner is going to be comfortable with a C based development environment.
  
  For beginners, the Basic Stamp 2 or one of its derivatives is the best starting point.
  
  For more advanced users who outgrow the BS2, the Arduino is a logical choice.
  
  However, if you really want power and flexibility, the Propeller can't be beat and Spin, the propeller's native language is no more difficult than the Arduino's native language. Hardware development platforms comparable to the Arduino's are available for the Propeller.

  Posted by DixieGeek on January 21, 2011 at 08:47:32 Pacific Time

• Arduino Bias
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  I admit to an Arduino bias in the article. However, my bias is borne of comparative experience.
  
  Having taught with teh BASIC stamp for several years, the BX-24 for a couple of years, the PIC using PICBasic for a few years, and Arduino for four years, I disagree. I have taught hundreds of beginners with Arduino, and they are pretty comfortable with it.
  
  Your experience may vary, but I have had much success with it, and I have had similar reports from other teachers who teach non-technical students. One of the keys is to keep the language clear, and when possible, avoid the more complicated structures of C. For example, in Arduino, we've been able to avoid pointers for the most part, which helps beginners a great deal.

  Posted by tigoe on January 21, 2011 at 09:36:02 Pacific Time