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Writer's pictureSarah Rashidi

Meet Your New Coding Bestie: Scratch!

Updated: Aug 28

Hello everyone! I'm excited to be back with an awesome topic that’s perfect for all the beginners out there! If you've been wanting to dive into programming but aren't sure where to begin, or if you've tried and found it difficult or dull, don't worry! Today's blog is here to guide you on your programming journey, helping you build skills and advance with confidence. Buckle up and Let's get started!


 

scratch

Let's first start by defining Scratch:


Scratch is a high-level, block-based visual programming language designed for children and beginners. It allows users to create interactive projects like games, stories, and animations by snapping together code blocks, making programming intuitive and accessible. Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is widely used in educational settings to teach fundamental concepts of coding, creativity, and logical thinking.


 

Why start with Scratch:


Scratch is designed to make coding fun and accessible for everyone, especially beginners. With its simple, block-based interface, you don't have to worry about complex syntax or endless lines of code. Instead, you can focus on bringing your ideas to life, whether that’s an interactive story, a cool game, or a creative animation.


What makes Scratch really special is its ability to teach you the basics of programming logic without you even realizing it. As you snap blocks together, you’re learning how to think like a programmer breaking down problems, experimenting with different solutions, and building something amazing from scratch.


 

Lets Build with Scratch:


Step 1: Accessing Scratch


First things first—let’s get you to the Scratch playground! You can access Scratch directly through the website here or download the app. But honestly, the website is super convenient and has everything you need to get started. So, fire up your browser and let’s dive in!


Step 2: Discovering the Interface


  1. Stage: Think of this as your canvas or, better yet, the stage in a play. This is where all the action takes place. You can choose different backgrounds to set the scene for your story or game.


  2. Sprites: These are your actors or main characters. Every project in Scratch revolves around sprites, they’re the ones who bring your ideas to life. Whether it’s a cat, a dinosaur, or a custom creation, sprites are at the heart of your project.

  3. Script: Just like actors in a play follow a script, sprites in Scratch follow a set of instructions to perform actions. These scripts tell your sprites what to do, when to do it, and how to interact with other elements on the stage.

  4. Programming Palette: This is your toolbox, packed with everything you need to make your sprites move, talk, change colors, or even make sounds. The programming palette contains all the blocks you’ll use to create your script , just drag, drop, and snap them together!


Step 3: Time for Some Inspiration!


Now that we’ve created an account and explored the interface, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Let’s now Head over to the Explore section on the Scratch website.


This is your one-stop shop for checking out the incredible projects other Scratchers have made. Whether you’re interested in animations, interactive stories, or games, you’ll find a treasure trove of ideas here. Take a few moments to browse through different projects. Play around with them, see how they work, and let your imagination run wild.


This is your chance to get a feel for what’s achievable with Scratch and who knows, you might just stumble upon an idea that sparks your next big project!


Step 4:  Level Up Your Scratch Skills!


Now that you’re inspired and ready to create, why not take your Scratch skills to the next level? There are some fantastic courses out there that can help you deepen your understanding of Scratch and even explore advanced features you might not have discovered yet. ( Click on the titles to access the courses )




  • Scratch 3.0 Programming for Kids (Udemy)

    • This course covers everything from basic commands to advanced game design, making it great for both beginners and those looking to expand their Scratch skills.


  • Scratch Tutorials (Scratch’s Official Website)

    • Directly from the source, Scratch’s official website offers a variety of tutorials and projects that are perfect for quick learning sessions.


 

And with that, we reach the end of the blog. I hope you had a good read and learned a lot. Stay tuned as we'll cover more tech-related topics in future blogs .


Incase of any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn . I'm always open to fruitful discussions.🍏🦜

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