Block-based coding

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Introduction

Block-based Coding is your first step into coding, also called computer programming. Coding is an important skill that empowers you to create your own computer programs, express yourself creatively, and understand how to solve problems.

You will learn the basics of coding through both Blockly and Scratch. These two platforms work in the same way - you build up your "code" using pre-made blocks. You will learn, practice, and apply simple coding concepts for a range of challenges.

You will then have the chance to use these skills to get creative and create programs that do exactly what you want them to do. You will also learn how to solve problems with your code.

Your Learning Outcomes

I can explain the purpose of a computer program

I can describe the different types of programming languages

I understand and can use different coding concepts within my programs

I can develop my own computer programs to meet different needs or challenges

What is Coding ?

Computer programming, or coding, is how we communicate with computers.

Code tells a computer what actions to take, and writing code is like creating a set of instructions.

By learning to write code, you can tell computers what to do or how to behave.

Computer Languages

To instruct a computer to do something, you need to talk to it in a language it understands.

There are two main ways to code on a computer:

Block-based coding
Text-based coding

Block-based coding

Block-based coding involves joining “blocks” of instructions to create “code” like a jigsaw.

It helps you understand computational thinking by being able to clearly see each step. It lets you code quickly and with much less errors. However, you can still create quite complex code.

Block-based languages include Scratch, Blockly, and Snap

Text-based coding

Text-based coding involves writing lines of code that give instructions in a way the computer can understand.

While much harder than block-coding it gives programmers complete control over what they can tell a computer to do.

The most common text-based languages are Python, JavaScript, Java, and C/C++.

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