Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? Maybe you tried, but it was too tough? Or you just got frustrated and gave up? Well, you’re in luck! Get ready to meet a new, easy-to-learn coding buddy designed to help you get into the programming basics!
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a website built to share projects, games, and animations with a click of your mouse. Its built-in block code program can help you easily start coding as basic or complex as you want. Although Scratch was originally created for 8 to 16 year-olds, anyone can use it to create fun programs! Along with their online website, Scratch also has a downloadable version. (https://scratch.mit.edu/download/scratch2)
Getting Started!
The best thing to do first is create a profile, so you can save and share your work! Scratch also gives you the option to ‘love’ and ‘favorite’ other users’ projects that you can come back to later by checking out your profile. You can always work without an account, but you can’t save your work.
Haven’t used block code before? Don’t worry! When you open the workspace to create your awesome project, Scratch automatically has tutorials that are available to use. Scratch also has the option for you to create your own backdrops and sprites, or you can check out the Scratch library for characters, backdrops, and sounds! Below is a step-by-step process of getting into the workspace and tutorials with pictures:
Go to https://scratch.mit.edu/ in the browser of your choice. I will be using Microsoft Edge.
Once you get to the homepage, it should look something like this:
Press the button ‘Start Creating’ to get to a blank workspace. When it opens up, you might see a lot of blocks of code. Don’t get intimidated! Play around with it, and Scratch even has some helpful tutorials to get you started! You can find it at the top of the page of the workspace if you press ‘Tutorials.’
Using the tutorials to begin your code, you can do anything you would like. The possibilities are endless! Now, go create your masterpiece!
FLVS also uses Scratch in some of their coding courses! Learn more about coding and technology electives.
“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.”
– Roy T. Bennett