Scratch is a free, web-based visual programming language and community platform. Scratch was created by MIT to help new learners discover programming. Scratch is a fun and powerful way to develop skills and to share what you’re learning with others in the community. You’ll be able to create a variety of projects such as games, animations, or education resources!
Scratch is a visual language, which means that you can focus on learning programming foundations and concepts without worrying about the syntax. Syntax is the set of words and rules that make up a programming language. Each programming language has different syntax, and that can sometimes make it more difficult to learn when you’re starting out. Scratch uses blocks to represent programming concepts! So as you connect the blocks and visual pieces together to build your game, you’ll start developing concepts of computational thinking – a way of approaching problems that programmers often use.
Tools like Scratch are a fun and accessible way to try programming. Even if you don’t think you’re interested in becoming a game developer, you may still enjoy programming! There are many different applications of these skills, such as web and app development. Scratch helps build a foundation that you can expand later.
Scratch lets you explore things beyond programming as well — some examples are game design, animations, and storytelling. Video games and programming are more popular than ever! E-sports and professional gaming has led to a huge amount of interest in games, and video gamers are able to make a living by playing games and building communities. Programmers and designers that make these games are able to use free and powerful tools that were once only available to professionals working in expensive studios. If you discover that you enjoy programming and game development, now is a great time to continue to practice your skills!