Scratch Programming is a programming language for kids. It is neither complicated nor text based unlike most traditional programming languages.
Developed by the MIT Media Lab in 2007, it is a programming environment that helps introduce the basics of coding to kids. It works as a free-ware block-based programming tool for children. Since it utilizes a visual approach, it makes coding a lot easier and simpler to understand.
The best thing about it is the simplicity that it adds to learning by removing all the complicated elements of programming. No longer do children have to worry about a forgotten semicolon or misplaced bracket. It works as a perfect practice tool to help build their analytical and logical reasoning skills.
Anyone can start learning programming from Scratch even they do not have previous knowledge about programming languages and programming concepts.
Scratch Programming Uses:
Learn basic programming concepts with Scratch. It is used for creating interesting games, stories, and more block-based programming. It has its own paint editor and sound builder. Kids enjoy it as it is fun using this programming language.
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Scratch Programming Elements
There are the following four main elements of Scratch and they are:
- Programming Palette
- Stage Area
- Sprites
- Script
Programming Palette
This palette has all the essential tools required to program a sprite to do or say something. Every element of a program, such as a loop, condition, etc. are available in the programming palette.
Blocks
In the visual programming language Scratch, we don’t write commands, but instead we use blocks, which represent them. We create programs by arranging (stacking) blocks in the appropriate order. These are the following six different shapes available in Scratch: Hat, Stack, Boolean, Reporter, C, and Cap.
Stage Area
This is a place where every action such as animations, turtle graphics and others take place. It uses X and Y coordinates to monitor action with 0,0 being the stage center. Every action by a sprite is performed here.
Sprites
The main characters of the program are the Sprites. They are graphical elements programmed by the programming palette. On the sprites, each action is performed by default, with a cat avatar display on the sprite panel. Users can even draw their own sprite.
Script
A set of instruction used to program in Scratch is called a script. It is a stack or collection of blocks that connect with one another. These blocks of instructions are ordered accordingly to perform a specific task. Basically, it tells the characters what to do or say.
Benefits
Benefits of Scratch Programming are such as –
- Logical Development
- Quick Mathematical Calculations
- Encourages Creative Thinking
- It Is Fun And Interactive
- Introduction To Programming
- Easy To Grasp
