PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES - USING SCRATCH

My first experience with Scratch:

 As part of my introduction to programming languages, I had to develop a project with a program called Scratch. Scratch is a web-based tool that allows simple animations and applications to be made using visual programming with blocks that execute different functions. The program is intuitive and easy to use, but the actual value of using Scratch is the reasoning needed to make the applications work.  

 

From concept to development

Building a program with Scratch was an exhilarating experience, although it initially posed challenges and confusion. Starting with a blank canvas, I had to grapple with understanding the fundamental concepts of coding. I decided to challenge myself and make a game called “Tank Battle”. The game consists of a tank controlled by a player sitting in the middle of a field that needs to defend against multiple waves of enemy tanks. This proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated. I was having difficulties with a lot of aspects, like making objects appear and disappear between scenes and getting the missiles to go in the correct direction that the player’s tank was pointing at. However, through perseverance and the aid of online tutorials, I gradually gained confidence and overcame the hurdles that stood in my way. After all my core functions were working as designed, I decided to add sound effects, and that made the game more entertaining.  Scratch provided a user-friendly environment that allowed me to create an interactive game by dragging and dropping blocks of code. Once I grasped the logic behind how the blocks fit together, I began to see my program take shape.

 

 Scratch vs Python

 The visual nature of Scratch made it easier to understand the cause-and-effect relationships between different coding elements. As I explored deeper into Scratch, I realized that there were remarkable similarities between Scratch and Python, a text-based programming language. Both languages employ similar programming concepts, such as variables, loops, and conditionals. The main distinction between the two languages lies in their syntax. While Scratch employs a graphical interface with blocks, Python utilizes a text-based format. Python's syntax may appear more complex initially, but it offers greater flexibility and power for more advanced programming tasks. Python's extensive libraries and frameworks make it suitable for various applications, including web development, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence. In contrast, Scratch is primarily designed for educational purposes, particularly for teaching coding concepts to beginners.

 

Programming Languages

Like an artist has many brushes, developers have multiple programming languages. Python, Java, Javascript, and C++ are among the most popular languages. Python is a versatile language known for its simplicity and readability. It is widely used in web development, scientific computing, and data analysis. Its extensive libraries and frameworks, such as Django and NumPy, make it popular among developers.  Java is a robust and platform-independent language commonly used for building enterprise-level applications and Android apps. It emphasizes security, performance, and scalability, making it suitable for various industries. C++ is a powerful language for system programming, game development, and performance-critical applications. Python has gained immense popularity for several reasons. Firstly, its syntax is designed to be intuitive and readable, allowing developers to write code that is easy to understand and maintain. Secondly, Python has a vast collection of libraries and frameworks that simplify complex tasks, making development faster.

Conclusion

The choice between Scratch and any programming language depends on the specific requirements of the project. Scratch is ideal for introductory programming, prototyping ideas, and creating simple games or animations. On the other hand, Python is a versatile language that can handle more complex tasks and is widely used in industry. Building a program with Scratch was initially challenging and confusing, but with the aid of tutorials and perseverance, I was able to create a game. Scratch and Python share common programming concepts yet differ in their syntax and purpose. Scratch is a beginner-friendly language that promotes creativity and learning, while Python offers more extensive capabilities for a wide range of applications. Understanding the strengths and best uses of different programming languages empower programmers to choose the most suitable tool for their projects.

Game Code Examples

References

Simmons Lis (2023) 2023 Guide to the Top 12 Coding Languages. Computerscience.org Quick Guide to Top Coding Languages 2023 | What to Learn, Why, and How (computerscience.org)

New Vision Institute of Technology (NVIT) 2023. Programming Languages and Their Diverse Applications. Programming Languages and Their Diverse Applications (linkedin.com)

Scratch - About (mit.edu)