Scratch and Programming Languages

 Scratch Programming Languages

Scratch is a free platform to introduce the application of block programming. The application of this platform is relatively simple and used in schools. Scratch has been successfully found to support students in applying core mathematical concepts while learning programming basics (Xie et al.,2023). The platform allows students a visual representation of a function as they build their code. Additionally, it enables the students to see the concept of this function work in real time as they run the program. It has fun graphics called sprites that are designed to engage younger children. Although the platform is geared towards youth, it is commonly used by all ages to learn programming. Inexperienced users should use the Scratch platform to boost their confidence with the ability to write code almost immediately, understand the fundamental processes required of programming languages, and gain the experience needed for other high-level programming languages.

Scratch allows first-time users the capability to create code practically immediately. The platform uses short tutorials to assist in its easy application. However, the titles of the tutorials do not serve as an adequate table of contents to reference specific material, and the tutorials only show basic concepts. The programming style uses predetermined blocks of code designed to look like puzzle pieces. These pieces can be clicked and dragged to form long strings of code that link together to create endless combinations of animation and graphics. The puzzle design lets the user quickly identify if the block is used to start, add, or end the code. Applying the pre-coded blocks allows the user to minimize syntax errors. If an error occurs, the blocks are easily detached to troubleshoot where the error occurred in the code while maintaining the established work. However, users find that the number of blocks can become limiting. Scratch does not have blocks capable of skimming the internet. Inexperienced users may struggle to create blocks (Park & Shin, 2022). The limited content in the tutorials proves troublesome with troubleshooting requiring the user to access additional information online. Fortunately, this platform is widely used, so further information is available, allowing users to succeed in their code.

Scratch is an acknowledgment of the rapid advances in technology. Computers are assembled of billions of switches in the central processing unit (CPU) called transistors. These transistors can only be turned on or off, meaning electricity can flow through the transistor (on) or, respectively, no electricity is flowing through the transistor (off). When the transistor is on, the CPU reads this information as one; when the transistor is off, the CPU reads this information as zero. The CPU can only read ones and zeros, known as machine language. Machine language is challenging for users to interpret as the rows of ones and zeros may be hard to view and understand (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). To rectify this problem, the assistance of an assembler program is required. The assembler interprets the machine language and transforms it into assembly language. Assembly language allows the user to view the information textually. However, assembly language is only capable of simple instructions. A high-level language is necessary for the user to apply complex instructions easily. The application of a high-level language requires the use of an additional program called a compiler. A compiler can transform high-level language with complex instructions into assembly language. However, the compiler may need multiple instructions from the assembler to perform the complex actions. These transactions happen every time within each block used in Scratch, showing how far technology has prevailed.

Scratch’s use of block programming is not the only language popular with inexperienced users. Python is another high-level language that is easy to understand for inexperienced users. Python allows users to create variables that are stored in set memory locations (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). However, the application of Python requires the user to know predetermined words or symbols to carry out instructions. An example of this is using the term “print” in Python to allow information to be displayed on the screen. This action may be done on the Scratch platform using the blocks labeled “say” or “broadcast” to allow information to be displayed on the screen. The predetermined blocks in Scratch will enable the user to perform actions with little to no background knowledge. Another example in Python that requires the user to have further background knowledge is a loop. A loop in Python requires the user to use a ‘for’ instruction that includes a ‘range’ for how many times the loop is needed to run. Scratch allows the user easy application when applying a loop using two simple blocks, ‘repeat’ and ‘forever.’ Although Python is slightly more complex than block programming, it allows users to perform more complex instructions. The ability to perform complex instructions and ease of learning the language makes Python popular in businesses, rendering Python a more popular language than block programming. Businesses use Python to access databases that store company information. This application would not be cohesive with block programming. Block programming is more conducive to creating games and animations. However, the block programming used by Scratch makes it easier for inexperienced users to understand the essential compilation of high-level programming languages, teaching the user the foundations of programming.

In conclusion, Scratch’s platform is an excellent educational tool for inexperienced users. This platform is widely accepted in schools to teach students core classes, such as math, through the application of block programming. The ease of application of the platform allows users to build confidence in their programming abilities. Although the platform is designed for a younger audience, users of all ages can find this platform to be a wealth of knowledge. Scratch allows users to understand high-level concepts easily through visual representation displayed on the screen. This platform also gives users the essential experience required for other high-level programming languages. Scratch is recommended for any individual starting their journey into programming.

 

 

Scratch Program URL: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/881920968

References

Park, Y., & Shin, Y. (2022). Text Processing Education Using a Block-Based Programming

Language. IEEE Access, Access, IEEE, 10, 128484–128497.

 https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3227765

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks

Xie, Z., Wong, G. K. W., Chiu, D. K. W., & Lei, J. (2023). Bringing K-12 Mathematics and

 Computational Thinking in the Scratch Community: Implications Drawn from a Creative

Learning Context. IT Professional, 25(2), 64-70. http://doi: 10.1109/MITP.2023.3243393