4 mins to read 
An introduction to programming using Scratch, a visual programming language via which aspiring programmers can write code by dragging and dropping graphical blocks (that resemble puzzle pieces) instead of typing out text.
Used at the start of Harvard College’s introductory course in computer science, CS50, Scratch was designed at MIT’s Media Lab, empowering students with no prior programming experience to design their own animations, games, interactive art, and stories. Using Scratch, this course introduces students to fundamentals of programming, found not only in Scratch itself but in traditional text-based languages (like Java and Python) as well.
Topics include: functions, which are instructions that perform tasks; return values, which are results that functions provide; conditions, via which programs can decide whether or not to perform some action; loops, via which programs can take action again and again; variables, via which programs can remember information; and more. Ultimately, this course prepares students for subsequent courses in programming.
Programming with Scratch is a beginner-friendly way to introduce people, especially children, to the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking. Scratch is a visual programming language and online platform developed by the MIT Media Lab. It uses a block-based interface, which means you build programs by snapping together blocks that represent different commands and operations. Here’s an overview of how to get started with programming using Scratch:
- Create an Account: To get started with Scratch, you’ll need to create a free account on the Scratch website (scratch.mit.edu). This account allows you to save and share your projects.
- Understanding the Interface: When you open Scratch, you’ll see a stage (the area where your program’s output is displayed) and a palette of code blocks on the left side of the screen. The blocks are color-coded by category (e.g., motion, looks, events, etc.).
- Creating Characters and Backdrops: Scratch allows you to create characters (called “sprites”) and backgrounds (called “backdrops”). You can draw your own or use pre-made ones from the Scratch library.
- Programming with Blocks: To create a program, you drag and snap together blocks from the code palette. Each block represents a command, such as moving a sprite, changing its costume, waiting for an event, or playing a sound.
- Sequencing: Programs are created by stacking blocks together in a sequence. The order in which blocks are arranged determines the flow of your program.
- Events: Scratch programs often start with an event, like when a green flag is clicked. You can use event blocks to trigger actions in response to user interactions.
- Loops and Conditionals: Scratch includes blocks for loops (repeating actions) and conditionals (making decisions based on conditions). These are essential for creating more complex programs.
- Variables: Scratch also supports the use of variables, which allow you to store and manipulate data in your programs.
- Testing and Debugging: As you build your program, you can test it in real-time to see how it behaves. Scratch provides debugging tools to help you identify and fix issues.
- Sharing and Remixing: Once your project is complete, you can share it with the Scratch community. You can also explore and remix projects created by others, which is a great way to learn from different coding styles and ideas.
- Scratch Community: Scratch has a vibrant online community of young coders and educators. You can participate in forums, join studios, and collaborate with others on projects.
- Educational Resources: Scratch offers a wide range of educational resources and tutorials on their website to help you learn and explore programming concepts.
Scratch is widely used in schools and educational settings to teach programming and computational thinking because of its intuitive, block-based approach. It’s a fantastic way to introduce programming concepts without the need for complex syntax, making it accessible and engaging for beginners, especially kids.