I've always had a soft spot for interpreted languages like Gambas Script and Python. The ability to write & edit code in a simple text editor (rather than with a full-blown IDE) and run the code directly from this text file can have benefits, especially when working with low power, headless computers like the Raspberry Pi.
Also, in my opinion, a Basic-like language such as Gambas is a better starting point for newbies than a somewhat terse language like Python.
With Gambas scripting, all you need to do is install the package gambas3-script(er), open a new text file, make it executable, add the shebang, and start writing code. (note: installing gambas3-script/scripter will also install gambas3-dev & gambas3-runtime)
The shebang is the first line in the file. It instructs the system to use the Gambas script interpreter to run the code, and looks like this:-
#!/usr/bin/env gbs3
So as a simple first example, create a new text file called GambasScript_1.gbs and add this:-
#!/usr/bin/env gbs3
Public Sub Main()
Dim strFiles as String
Exec ["ls", "-l"] To strFiles
Print strFiles
End
Now save and make the file executable, which can normally be done by accessing file permissions via the file manager.Open the folder containing this file in a terminal (again, this can normally be done from the file manager via a menu or maybe a hot key like <F4>).
Run the script from the terminal like this:-
./GambasScript_1.gbs
...OK, not earth shattering, but its a start.