Recommended editor for novice programmers?

[Tom Browder <tom.browder@gmail.com>]

My Linux user group is setting up one desktop computer and one laptop computer for lending to our local library as an educational resource for folks who want to explore what Linux is all about.  We are using Debian 9 for now.

I am open to any suggestions for standard packages we should add. I have already installed gcc and friends as well as Scilab, R, Perl 6, and some other stuff, including emacs.

I would especially appreciate other ideas for programming editors for novice programmers.

Thanks.

Best regards,

-Tom