Scratch Programming

From Bill's Tutorials at btutor.com

Scratch

The easiest way to learn how to program is to use Scratch. This is the best way to start programming because no code actually has to be written. Instead Scratch provides a totally visual way of writing programs in which prewritten code blocks are selected and dragged into place to cerate an application. You can't make any typing mistakes but you still have to wrestle with program logic.

Scratch is offered by MIT originally for children but now widely used by beginners to programming of all ages. You can use Scratch on the MIT website and develop your programs online. This gets you into their global network of Scratch programmers and allows you to publish your work on their site. Or you can download the Scratch 2 software which lets you program offline, without an internet connection. You can still publish the programs on the MIT website if you wish.

Here is an Introduction to Scratch.

Bouncing Ball

Here is Redball, a Scratch application to show a red ball bouncing about on the screen with a bat which the user can apply to the problem of keeping it in the play area. This bat and ball application is an almost traditional way of introducing programmed animation and user interaction. You can develop this into your own bat and ball game.

Scratch Clock

Here is a Scratch Clock application that continuously displays the current time as determined by your computer clock. It involves designing some sprites for the three hands and programming them to show the system time. There is also some Scratch drawing with a Pen object to produce the clock face.

Drawing App

Here is a Scratch drawing application that allows the user to draw pictures on the screen. The color and line width can be changed at any time and the complete drawing can be saved as a PNG file.

Dodger Game

Here is a Dodger game in which the user has to manipulate a Scratch cat icon to avoid being flattened by falling dog sprites.

 

More Scratch tutorials will be added from time to time.