Scratch: A Beginners Programming Language

Programing. Any geek has some experience with this sometimes-gruesome art. Websites, videogames, and even animations involve some sort of programming. Being able to make your own games and animations? Sounds fun. And although programming may be fun, a lot of us look at it as more of a chore. Having to spend hours learning codes is not easy. But there is a cool way to program without having to do all of that. And no, this isn’t one of those little-kid “game makers,” this is Scratch an application (for Mac, PC, and Linux) created by the real guys; the people at MIT.

Scratch is basically programing only a heck of a lot easier. The way it works is that you use a series of blocks (kind of like LEGOs) to lie out you script. For example “change x to __” you can link that to “when left arrow button hit.” The whole thing is a very flawless system that you need to see for yourself. Different characters called “sprites” enable each object to have it’s own line of scripts. Codes can even get pretty advanced to using variables and operators. All this can result in a great animation and even a full game. And although Scratch is only 2D, side scrolling platformers can be built with ease.

Another great feature about Scratch is the ability to share your art with the world. Scratch has a whole online community with thousands of users all contributing their creations. I really like this feature as I can get feedback on my games and know that people are playing them.

Overall Scratch is an AWESOME application. People of any ages (7-100) could use this and have a good time. And for a wonderful price (free) Scratch provides you with not just a little dinky toy but a full on 2D programing experience. If you would like to download Scratch for free and/or look at some of the creations visit scratch.mit.edu

Scratch gets a perfect 10/10. There’s honestly nothing I can say bad about it. For free, it’s all I could ask for.