Easing into C++

Abstract

RoBOTL is an on-going language experiment that attempts to blend Karel the Robot, as developed by Richard E. Pattis, [Pattis, 1982] with the object-oriented paradigm and the C/C++ language syntax. We developed it to ease the introduction of C++ as a first programming language. Its initial debut in the summer Frontiers in Science program at WPI was more successful than we anticipated with the weaker students all learning to program, and the stronger students showing interest in learning the object-oriented paradigm inherent in the language. All the students were able to make the transition to C++.