Have you ever heard the term Block-based Coding?

It is the most basic form of computer programming that contains the visual blocks to create games and animation. A learner can download scratch free online in the version of their choice either Scratch 2.0 or Scratch 3.0. 

What Are Some Scratch-based Terminology?

Let’s talk about some of the Scratch programming-related terminologies.

1. Sprite: The sprites are defined as objects that appear above the background of the screen. These are also termed as playable or non-playable characters and other interactive objects. 
2. Backdrops: In simple words, a backdrop is defined as static images that can fill out the entire screen or play area.
3. Events: An event in Scratch programming is something that happens. For example, a key is pressed or a mouse is clicked, etc. Also, an event is defined as a state change. This state change is used to trigger a certain type of behavior in your computer program.
4. Costumes: A costume in Scratch programming is defined as different versions of the same sprite. For example, a sprite of a girl Avery who is dancing in two different costumes. In each costume, the Avery is presented with its legs in different positions. Thus, we have 2 different versions of the same sprite in two different frames that give an illusion that the sprite Avery is dancing. Thus, changing costumes in Scratch programming is the best way to animate the sprite.  
5. Stage: A stage is defined as a collection of scripts, images, and sounds that provide the required “background” for the sprites to perform an action.
6. Script: As per the Wikipedia definition, a script is defined as one or more blocks that describe the appearance, sounds, and behavior of a sprite, the stage, or any other variable of a project. 
7. Libraries: Scratch programming language has an abundance of libraries that consists of a collection of resources. For example, you can add sounds to your project with the help of a sound library or add a backdrop to your project with the help of a backdrop library. Everything is available with ease.

Scratch is the visual programming language that gives a good introduction to block-based coding to young learners. It has a drag-and-drop interface that enables the kids to add motion, sound, animation, and other effects on the sprite(character) in a scratch programming language). 

You must be wondering what are the benefits of using Scratch programming language from an early age. Let’s talk about it one by one.

Why Scratch Programming Is Beneficial For Kids?

1. Teaches 21st Century Skills: Scratch programming enables young learners to develop the most essential 21st-century skills with the help of technology usage. 
2. Share Their Innovation With Us: Scratch platform enables learners to collaborate on projects and allows them to share their creations across the world online. 
3. Ease of Use & Free Availability: The most striking feature of Scratch programming is that a learner can access and utilize Scratch for both personal as well as academic use. 
4. No Language Barrier: If English is not your native language, then no worries, Scratch has got you covered. It is used in over 150 countries and is available in 40+ languages. So, a learner can learn Scratch in the language of their choice as per convenience. 
5. Logic Building Makes Easy: Scratch programming is useful for beginners as it helps them to understand the logic behind the code. When the students make sense of the code, they can use their creative skills to enhance the code even further.
6. Easy Drag & Drop Functionality: Unlike high-level programming languages, the Scratch programming does not require any syntax. Rather than typing the code to perform a function in Scratch, a learner can simply drag and drop the blocks as per their convenience.
7. Scratch 3.0 makes it extensible: The new version of the Scratch 3.0 contains a lot of features that allow a learner to connect Scratch to hardware such as LEGO WeDO and PicoBoard. This added functionality gives too much freedom to the user to build interactive projects on animation, games, and simulations. 

What Is The Scope Of Scratch Programming Language?

The Scratch programming language is the best way for young learners to start their coding journey. Scratch coding is the most amazing way to get used to building logic. The major aim of using Scratch programming is to support self-directed interactive learning through Tinkering and collaboration with peers. Scratch programming language is an ideal tool that enables young learners to code.  

Coding is the most useful skill that helps young learners to secure lucrative career opportunities in the field of AI(Artificial Intelligence), IoT(Internet Of Things), Robotics, and Game Development. 

How To Get Started With Scratch Programming Language?

There are many edtech companies like Tinkerly that offer coding courses for kids that are based on the grade-wise concepts of AI, IoT, Robotics, and Machine learning. While choosing a course for their kids, the parent has to make sure that their children learn about the basics of programming at an initial level. After getting well-versed in block-based coding, a learner can learn other high-level programming languages like Java, Python, C, C++, etc. 

Summing Up!

In this blog, we have talked about the basics of the Scratch programming language. We have discussed various terminologies related to Scratch programming in great detail. In a nutshell, scratch programming is the best introduction to coding. It is the best way to figure out the logic behind the code. There are many platforms using which a learner can learn block-based coding. Scratch and Code.org are the two platforms that are mostly used for the purpose of block-based coding.

For More Info:- scratch 2.0