Block-Based Coding: Your First Program Without Typing
Build a real program by dragging blocks and snapping them together
- say what block-based coding is,
- explain how blocks snap together to make instructions,
- read a simple block program and say what it does,
- name a few kinds of blocks and the special "start" block.
1. What is block-based coding?
Block-based coding is a friendly way to make programs. Instead of typing code letter by letter, you pick ready-made blocks from a menu and drag them onto the screen with your mouse or finger.
Each block already has the words on it, like "move 10 steps" or "play a sound". You just choose the blocks you want and put them in order. The most famous tool for this is called Scratch, but there are many others.
Because the words are already printed on the blocks, you never have to spell anything or remember tricky symbols. You get to think about what you want the program to do — not about typing.
2. Blocks snap together like puzzle pieces
Look closely at a block and you will see it has a little bump on the bottom and a matching notch on the top — just like a puzzle piece or a LEGO brick.
When you drag one block under another, they snap together with a click. Now they are joined, and the computer knows they belong in that order. Two snapped blocks become a small program; ten snapped blocks become a bigger one!