Scratch
Scratch is a type of programming language that uses pictures and blocks
instead of typing code. It was created by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of
Technology), a famous university in the USA. Scratch is made especially for
children and beginners to help them understand the basics of coding in a
simple and fun way.
• Instead of writing code, you drag and drop colorful blocks to create
programs.
• You can make games, stories, and animations using Scratch.
• It teaches you important computer programming ideas like loops,
conditions, variables, and events without needing to learn complex
languages like Python or Java.
Here are the main parts of the Scratch interface:
Scratch Interface - Main Parts
1. Stage –
The area where your project runs. You can see the sprites move and interact here.
2. Sprite List –
Shows all the sprites (characters/objects) in your project.
3. Blocks Palette –
Contains all the coding blocks (like motion, looks, sound, control, etc.)
4. Scripts Area (Coding Area) –
Where you drag and join blocks to create your program.
5. Toolbar –
Top bar with options like Save, Load, Undo, Redo, etc.
6. Green Flag & Red Stop Button –
Used to start (green flag) or stop (red button) the program.
7. Tabs (Code, Costumes, Sounds) –
o Code Tab: For programming.
o Costumes Tab: To design or change how a sprite looks.
o Sounds Tab: To add or edit sounds.
8. Backdrop Area –
Used to change or design the background of the stage.
9. Sprite Info Panel –
Shows details of the selected sprite (name, size, direction, position).
Advantages of Scratch
• Block-based coding: You snap together code blocks like puzzle pieces.
• Drag and drop interface: No typing errors!
• Interactive: You can create animations, games, and stories.
Common Block Categories:
• Motion: Move, turn, go to x/y.
• Looks: Say, change costume, show/hide.
• Sound: Play sound, stop all sounds.
• Events: When green flag clicked, when sprite clicked.
• Control: Repeat, if-then, wait.
• Sensing: Touching, mouse position.
• Variables: Store and change data.