I think I'll go against the advice of others here.
I would first start him on some guided C++ projects that illustrate basic syntax, data structures, explain libraries, pointer, how memory works, etc. I wouldn't spend a lot of time here. Some simple but neat console games that also showcase some math coolness (like guess a number between 1-100, then say you can guess it in 7 or fewer guesses).
This is how I learned, and was very helpful in understanding some of the why and how of programming. This gave me a deeper understanding of what was going on when I was introduced to easier languages. It also gave me enough understanding to ask how things worked in the easier languages.
After that brief learning period, then I would put him Python. There are lots of powerful libraries and it's easier to build more advance projects. There is also great support for physical stuff like Pi hats if he wants to so robotics, sensors, etc.
I've watched students change majors because of, or regret taking, C++ tracts in college versus tracts that used Python or Java. I think the potential complexity that C++ offers can scare beginners away from programming, as they might feel overwhelmed even when learning its basics.
I agree with getting him here. Then again maybe not?
I have developed an addiction to this site. I don't even like the site that much anymore, nor care for the moderator, but it has become a habit. (Don't like too many rules that are arbitrarily enforced. Don't like the upper middleclass echo chamber discussions we have here when we discuss other subjects than computing.
That's not my point though.
I can't imagine someone interested in any aspect of the computer industry not getting valuable information here.
I would first start him on some guided C++ projects that illustrate basic syntax, data structures, explain libraries, pointer, how memory works, etc. I wouldn't spend a lot of time here. Some simple but neat console games that also showcase some math coolness (like guess a number between 1-100, then say you can guess it in 7 or fewer guesses).
This is how I learned, and was very helpful in understanding some of the why and how of programming. This gave me a deeper understanding of what was going on when I was introduced to easier languages. It also gave me enough understanding to ask how things worked in the easier languages.
After that brief learning period, then I would put him Python. There are lots of powerful libraries and it's easier to build more advance projects. There is also great support for physical stuff like Pi hats if he wants to so robotics, sensors, etc.