Introduction to programming
Today's most widely used programming languages are C/C++, Python, Javascript, Rust, etc. These high-level languages are used to develop all the amazing applications and devices you use to interact with the digital world.
Blockly and Sctrach are block-based programming languages that utilize a graphical interface where code is created by dragging and dropping blocks in the coding area. These languages are particularly beneficial for beginners, kids, and new programmers as they provide a user-friendly environment for learning the basics of programming. Blockly, with its interlocking blocks, simplifies the coding process and makes it more accessible to new programmers.
The basic programming concepts are similar across languages in all the programming languages. Some of these concepts include:
- Sequential Execution
- Variables
- Arithmetic and logical operations
- Conditional Statements
- Loops
- Functional Programming
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Debugging
If you can figure out how these five concepts work, you have completed the majority of the way to be able to learn a new programming language. These concepts can be applied in a wide variety of languages and can be used to build applications like gaming, communication, autonomous cars, robots, etc. The opportunities are limitless.
Introduction to Programming course in Blockly is designed for first-time programmers, kids, or anyone who loves robots to cover fundamental topics in software programming such as sequential execution, arithmetic, logical operation, conditional statement, and loops. It covers software programming fundamentals in a fun, interactive environment with robots. In addition, this course enhances logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can be applied beyond software programming.
The course is divided into topics. In each topic, students will complete a set of missions with the robot. These missions give them a good grasp of the topic. Here is an introduction to the programming and coding topics in this course.
1, Sequential Execution
All robots or any electronic device complete their task by executing a list of commands. It is also called sequential execution of instructions.
In these missions, students learn how the robot is given a sequence of commands to complete simple tasks. They also get familiar with the robot and its world.
2. Variables
Variables help to store information. For example, the robot would like to remember how many steps it has walked or how many balls it has picked up.
In these missions, the robot stores information and uses it to complete it.
3. Arithmetic Operations
Using a software program, we can do many arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and much more to generate useful information from the variables.
In these missions, the robot uses variables and performs arithmetic operations such as calculating the number of objects to complete its mission.
4. Conditional Statements
Variables help to store information. For example, the robot would like to remember how many steps it has walked or how many balls it has picked up.
In these missions, the robot stores information and uses it to complete it.
3. Arithmetic Operations
Using a software program, we can do many arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and much more to generate useful information from the variables.
In these missions, the robot uses variables and performs arithmetic operations such as calculating the number of objects to complete its mission.
4. Conditional Statements
Robots or software programs have to make decisions and take action. Conditional statements help to decide which instructions to execute.
The most common one is the if-else statement.
These statements are very similar to the decisions and actions we take every day. For instance, if you are thirsty, you drink water. Else do not drink water.
In these missions, students learn logical operation, AND, OR, GREATER THAN, LESS THAN operators.
5. Loops
Loops are used in software programs to reduce the number of instructions.
For instance, if your friend has to place ten balls in a basket, instead of telling your friend ten times, "place a ball in the basket," you would just tell your friend, "Place ten balls in the basket," and your friend would place the ball in the basket ten times.
By the time students reach this section, they realize that many of the blocks are repetitive. The moment students learn about the loops, they are eager to use loop blocks to reduce the number of times they have drag-and-drop blocks. In these missions, students learn how to reduce the size of the code using loops.
The most common one is the if-else statement.
These statements are very similar to the decisions and actions we take every day. For instance, if you are thirsty, you drink water. Else do not drink water.
In these missions, students learn logical operation, AND, OR, GREATER THAN, LESS THAN operators.
5. Loops
Loops are used in software programs to reduce the number of instructions.
For instance, if your friend has to place ten balls in a basket, instead of telling your friend ten times, "place a ball in the basket," you would just tell your friend, "Place ten balls in the basket," and your friend would place the ball in the basket ten times.
By the time students reach this section, they realize that many of the blocks are repetitive. The moment students learn about the loops, they are eager to use loop blocks to reduce the number of times they have drag-and-drop blocks. In these missions, students learn how to reduce the size of the code using loops.
Debugging
Debugging is inevitable in the coding process, even when using CodeRobo :-). Many times software developers spend hours chasing a single line of code. Luckily that won't be the case here. But debugging helps build logic, analytical thinking, problem solving, collaboration when working in a team, sharing ideas, and, most importantly, making friends.
Join our newsletter for more updates on further topics.
Students can learn and practice Introduction to programming in Python. CodeRobo.AI also has an online web-based interface to practice Python programming. Check it out.
Debugging is inevitable in the coding process, even when using CodeRobo :-). Many times software developers spend hours chasing a single line of code. Luckily that won't be the case here. But debugging helps build logic, analytical thinking, problem solving, collaboration when working in a team, sharing ideas, and, most importantly, making friends.
Join our newsletter for more updates on further topics.
- Functional Programming
- Object Oriented Programming
Students can learn and practice Introduction to programming in Python. CodeRobo.AI also has an online web-based interface to practice Python programming. Check it out.
Introduction to programming merely scratches the surface of a vast iceberg of knowledge and possibilities. However, it serves as a gateway to expanding young minds, captivating their curiosity about the inner workings of the devices they engage with. It unveils a world of limitless opportunities, igniting their imagination and showcasing the boundless potential for creating diverse applications. By venturing into programming, children embark on a transformative journey where they discover the art of problem-solving, logical thinking, and the ability to bring their ideas to life through coding.
Try out other courses, Draw, Free Space (obstacle avoidance), and Pick-n-Place in CodeRobo.AI, to educate the next generation of kids. The CodeRobo.AI team's motto is to nurture kids' curiosity in robotics and coding. We look forward to you joining our mission of making coding and robots accessible to more kids.
The CodeRobo.AI team is working on many new features to enhance the teaching experience, which helps students better understand the concepts. Please join our newsletter for more updates.
Try out other courses, Draw, Free Space (obstacle avoidance), and Pick-n-Place in CodeRobo.AI, to educate the next generation of kids. The CodeRobo.AI team's motto is to nurture kids' curiosity in robotics and coding. We look forward to you joining our mission of making coding and robots accessible to more kids.
The CodeRobo.AI team is working on many new features to enhance the teaching experience, which helps students better understand the concepts. Please join our newsletter for more updates.
Keywords: Variable Definition, variable declaration, numbers definition, string Definition, AND operator, OR operator, greater than operator, less than operator, conditional control, control flow, loops, while loop, exercises, decision-making, blockly programming, scratch programming, STEM, robotics, coding, kids.
What does this blog cover?
Basics Of Computer Programming For Beginners
5 Fundamentals Every Programmer Should Know
Basic programming concepts
Learn how to code
Fundamentals of programming
Introduce coding to kids
Programming concepts to learn
Online programming from kids
Blockly
Alternative to Scratch
What does this blog cover?
Basics Of Computer Programming For Beginners
5 Fundamentals Every Programmer Should Know
Basic programming concepts
Learn how to code
Fundamentals of programming
Introduce coding to kids
Programming concepts to learn
Online programming from kids
Blockly
Alternative to Scratch
