[vhcook]

I'd avoid Python, not because there's anything wrong with it as a language (I use it at work and find it delightful), but because it is not an officially supported option.

My team uses Labview because if we're having a problem in the control system, it's all NI and they have splendid tech support. Most of my students have or will have other language experience through AP classes, college, or their own general programming interests, and Labview is an interesting choice for us because it requires a different mindset than text-based programming. We also use a lot of state machines, which are extraordinarily easy to code and debug in Labview.

C++ and Java are more generally used languages, and they have both been available long enough that there's plenty of official and community support in FRC, although my perception is that C++ has more users and resources available.