BASIC, Good Language for Beginners

Update:
I have decided to recommend Python as the best first language for a beginning programmer.  Basic is still an excellent choice for a first language.  My reasons for promoting Python over Basic are explained here:  Python, Best Language for Beginners (July 20, 2013)

Original Post:
After much thought I have reached the conclusion that the best language for beginning programmers is BASIC.  It is close to natural language.  It was intended as a teaching language.  It is used professionally, so it is not used only as a teaching language.

Here is a list of articles I have written about Basic:
Learning to Program with BASIC Sunday, April 22, 2012
Just Basic Tutorials and WinHlp32 Saturday, September 8, 2012
Install Time: Just Basic vs VB Express Sunday, September 9, 2012
Power Basic and Liberty Basic Saturday, December 22, 2012
Small Basic Saturday, December 22, 2012

As I mentioned earlier, some people think Python is a good first language.  Many languages can be used as a first language.  A first programming language should be a procedural programming language.  In other words, not an object-oriented programming language.  There is a lot of baggage that comes with object oriented (OO) programming, so an OO language is better suited for a 2nd language.  As I pointed out in an article, The Texas Young Programmers Project, most programming competitions require use of the Java programming language, with is an OO language.  So for the sake of practicality, Java is probably a good second programming language.

I believe some young people benefit from early exposure to programming.  Programming is not for everyone, but it can be very important for some people.  I believe getting off to a good start is important, so the first programming language is important.  Then a second language is important.  As much as I like C, C++, and Python, I think the best languages to learn are Basic first and then Java second.

Middle school and early high school are good times for early programmers to delve into Basic.  Java would be good for senior high school.

Robert Canright

Here is a relatively recent (18 Dec 2013) blog post about Small Basic written by someone from Microsoft:
Small Basic is FREE!!!
Here is an earlier post (22 Dec 2012) by me about Small Basic