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Using the Scratch Programming Language

 The Scratch Language Programming Experience



Scratch is a building block for beginner programmers. It is considered a visual programming language and helps the programmer learn to use conditional logic, systematic reasoning, and program creativity (Integrating Computing, n.d., p. 1, para. 1). I created an interactive program that allows the user to manipulate multiple sprites simultaneously by using various inputs from the keyboard. The outcome was to enable the user to make a set of three cats appear to dance. Once I got used to the language, I had fun with it.

Difficulties, Solutions, and Insight Gained from Using Scratch

Learning any new language or platform is easier once the general idea of the layout is understood. Once I understood the layout of the IDE, the next difficulty was testing to see how connecting blocks, clicking on blocks, and editing blocks affected the sprites. There were some functions I would have to view the tutorials for, such as the if-then statements. The biggest challenge was implementing logic for a backflip move that would only require one input from the user. I used trial and error to figure out how to allow the user to input a “backflip” with one input. Eventually, I found blocks for repeating and rotating and created the algorithm. I learned that trial and error was very helpful in obtaining the desired result. Also, reviewing the tools in the programming language can initiate new ideas to try. 

Comparing Programming Languages and Their Differences

The experiences from machine code to assembly, Python, and Scratch are similar. They all had a learning curve, but machine code took much work to understand, even the basics of what was being taught. Once I grasped it, it would take much checking to ensure I input the correct 0’s and 1’s in order to obtain the desired outcome. Humans do not think naturally in 0’s and 1’s, which is why assembly and high-level languages exist so that we can use words, symbols, and numbers to develop programming languages more easily (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019, Section 2.9, para. 1). 
Machine code uses 0’s and 1’s to complete tasks. As its name implies, Assembly language assembles machine code in a less obscure, more logical way. These are both considered low-level languages. A high-level language, such as Python or C++, uses words, numbers, and symbols. Scratch is a visual-programming language that can accomplish loops, branching, and conditional logic. Still, the syntax is not challenging due to the user-friendly environment, which uses drag-and-drop blocks to perform tasks and commands. Between Scratch and Python, Scratch is fun for creating animations, interactives, and simple games, “while Python is a general-purpose programming language that is used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, and scientific computing” (Create & Learn, 2023, para. 20).

Ease of Use

I created the most useful program using Scratch. The program’s purpose was to entertain, and it accomplished exactly that. I do not know machine, assembly, or Python enough even to output “Hello, world” when the user presses “any key.” If I were experienced in any of these coding languages, I might be able to accomplish much more compared to Scratch. Therefore, Scratch may not be the easiest depending on the program's purpose. But to perform many simple tasks, Scratch is an excellent tool for inexperienced programmers such as myself.

As my technology professor, Dr. Jimmy, says: "Scratch can be confusing compared to Python, where syntax-related logical statements are used to obtain relevant results. Scratch is more comparable to visual basic programs, where a drag and drop option of the various components is done, with the backend comprising of programming languages such as SQL or Oracle to support their behavior and working."


Programs Popularity

Of the four languages, machine, assembly, Python, and Scratch, Python is the most popular. I have heard of Python personally when trying to discover the best way to start coding. Additionally, Python is popular “due in part to being easy to learn, to being freely available, and to having powerful high-level data-processing operations” (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019, Section 2.11, para. 1).

Link to Scratch Project

Here is the link to my Scratch program, “Kitty Cat Shuffle Dance!”

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/836802109

References

Create & Learn (2023, January 5). Is Python or Scratch better? Which one should my child learn? https://www.create-learn.us/blog/python-or-scratch-better/#:~:text=Purpose%3A%20Scratch%20is%20a%20visual,data%20analysis%2C%20and%20scientific%20computing.

Integrating Computing Across the Curriculum. (n.d.). Introduction to Scratch. University of Alabama at Birmingham. https://www.uab.edu/icac/images/Scratch_Guides/Intro_to_Scratch.pdf

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks.

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