Scratch is a visual-based programming language that enables young minds to understand the basics of coding in an easy and interactive manner. In block-based coding instead of using syntax, a coder uses blocks of code. These code blocks a learner can simply drag & drop easily. It is like fixing the pieces of the puzzle together. It is a good practice to learn coding through block-based programming languages like Scratch or Code.org. There is no hassle of syntax in these block coding. 

It is mostly preferred for newbie coders to spark their interest in the field of coding. Unlike high-level programming languages like Java, Python, C++, etc, Scratch(i.e block-based programming language) does not require the memorization of coding syntax. 

For a young learner who is just starting out in the coding field, it is very tedious to learn syntax. After understanding the logic behind the code, the students will understand the syntax and be able to write it on their own. 

What Are The Advantages Of Scratch Programming Language?

1. 1. Demonstrate Easy Programming Concepts:

The code and its simulation are visually depicted in a better way. The learners can understand the concept easily through block-based coding along with learning the implementation of logic.  

1. 1. Teach 21st Century skills:

Scratch enables young learners to learn 21st-century skills like Computational thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, etc., and make them innovators of tomorrow. 

1. 1. Spark An Interest In Programming:

A young learner can develop a passion for coding with Scratch. It gives them a taste of easy-to-execute blog-based coding. When they run a program by managing all the code blocks in the script area. It also builds students' confidence in coding when they see their projects run in a real-time environment.

1. 1. Free to Use: 

Scratch is a free to download platform that enables learners to access and utilize scratch for personal and academic usage.

1. 1. Take Their Creativity To The Next Level:

Scratch programming gives students the freedom to experiment and build games, animations, and stories as per their choice. 

1. 1. Smooth Hardware extensions: 

Scratch 3.0 provides more capabilities than Scratch 2.0. It helps learners to integrate their code with hardware extensions like Micro: bit and Lego Mindstorms to build more complex coding projects.

1. 1. Solidify Visual Learning: 

Each block is color-coded and then it makes it easy to categorize the commands together in the code area. The information retention is maximum when the content is visually presented. 

What Are The Major Areas Of Scratch?

Basically, there are 6 major areas in the Scratch platform. We are going to talk about each of these things one by one. 

1. 1. Stage: It is the most important area in which your Scratch programming comes to life. The stage can consist of different costumes that keep on changing as per the story. 
   2. Sprite: These are termed as the objects that perform an action in a project. It can be either user-generated, uploaded, or can be located in the sprites library.
   3. Paint Editor: It is a built-in image editor that allows learners to build their own sprites and backdrops using its features. They can use this self-made sprite in their projects as well.
   4. Block Palette: This area is also known as the Code block in which various script blocks are located. It includes Motion, Control, Looks, Sensing, Sound, Operator, pen, and Variable blocks that are used in making projects. There is a block in Block Palette named "More Blocks" that allows the learner to build their own blocks. 
   5. Code Area: It is termed as a large empty space that is located on the right-hand side of the block palette. It is represented as an area that is used to store blocks that run the project. A learner can simply drag and drop code blocks into the code area where these can be arranged together to form meaningful scripts.

What Type Of Programming Concepts Can Be Learned From Scratch?

Given below are the programming concepts of Scratch programming language:

1. 1. Loops: These are the special tools that are used within the code for the purpose of repeating an action multiple times. Now let's learn how you can add loops in the code blocks. Go to the Control section of the block code. There are 3 types of Loops in Scratch programming language. repeat x number of times, repeat until, and forever loop. Each type of loop serves a different purpose.
   2. If-else statements: It is a special type of control block. According to this, if a condition is true, then a set of blocks that are under it gets executed. A variation of the If-else statement is the If-then-else statement in which if the condition is false under the "If" then the "then-else" part will get executed.
   3. Variables: A variable in Scratch is termed as a modifiable value that is recorded in Scratch's memory. These are capable of holding only one value at a time. For example, these values can be text, numbers, or strings. The variables in Scratch Programming are built with the "Make a Variable" button that is located in the block palette. There are 3 main types of variables: Global, Local, and Cloud Variables.

• • Global Variable: These types of variables are created by default. These are stored in RAM(Random Access Memory). 

• • Local Variable: These types of variables are created just like the global variables. These are created by choosing the option of "For this sprite only" during the time of variable creation. These local variables are stored independently by each sprite. 

• • Cloud Variables: These types of variables are stored in the cloud server. The newer version of scratch 3.0 uses cloud variables that support only numerical data. It must be noted that a cloud variable is limited to only 256 characters and in a single project, a learner can make 10 cloud variables.  

Conclusion

In this blog, we have learned about the building blocks of scratch programming language. The visual-based programming language is the best introduction for learners to the exciting world of coding.