Programming Languages
For this week’s assignment, we were instructed to create a short program using the block programming language called “Scratch”. This was my first time using Scratch and my first experience with block programming languages. I was a little intimidated despite the kiddish designs and simplistic nature of the website. My only programming experience before attempting this assignment was learning how to write code in Python from a book. The thought process was similar between the languages. In Python, I wrote a series of code strings to retrieve names from a list for a restaurant website. In Scratch, I placed blocks to make a character move from a bed to a window. Both achieved different goals, but needed one line of code after another to generate an outcome.
The insight I learned about coding
after using Scratch was how to develop strong coding fundamentals. In Scratch,
the lines of code were already written, such as moving a character, hiding and
showing the character after a certain amount of time. All I had to do was place
the blocks of code in a specific order to make my program work. This made me
realize that I can do the same level of coding with different programming
languages. Only, instead of making a character do things, I would be making a
computer do things with my code.
While coding in Scratch, I appreciated
how the blocks of code were laid out with color coding and imagery that
resembled a cartoon. I felt it helped me learn how to utilize the lines of code
more effectively. In an academic article, Jesus Insuasti describes a tool
called “Turtle Graphics”, which is a program used to introduce essential
programming concepts in a fun and interactive way. “By translating code into
visual movements and drawings, this approach helps bridge the gap between
abstract programming concepts and tangible understanding, particularly for
beginners.”
Regarding the different programming
languages, I found that Python was the easiest to use, as I had prior
experience with the language. Because of Python’s interpretive nature, I find
writing input lines extremely easy and intuitive. While C++ has more performance
for programming in game engines, I feel more comfortable with Python. Python
can be used for automating tasks such as organizing directories for a company,
which I feel is more suitable for my attention to detail. I have no experience
with assembly language, but I know it is used for developing operating systems.
A query language can be used to optimize data in databases and process
analytics.
References
Insuasti, J. (2025). Didactics of the Fundamentals
of Computer Programming with a Computational Thinking Approach based on
Turtle Graphs.
Tech+
CertMaster Learn Chapter 10.1-10.2
Scratch
Project Link: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1255676640
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