[kcartlidge]

Some good points (though I remain unconvinced about PS personally).

The only thing I'd note is that unfortunately by not mentioning it in my earlier reply I left you thinking I was suggesting Python over PowerShell, which makes sense given the way others were discussing the topic.

On this, however, I agree with you in that I too would not automatically suggest Python as the best learning language. I'd actually plump for Go scripting or C# (single file), but on the understanding that it's for learning business domain or web programming. For the true beginner I don't really have a strong opinion so maybe PS could work.

Anyway, thanks for the detailed response :)