CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

About

An introduction to programming using Scratch, a visual programming language via which aspiring programmers can write code by dragging and dropping graphical blocks (that resemble puzzle pieces) instead of typing out text. Used at the start of Harvard College's introductory course in computer science, CS50, Scratch was designed at MIT's Media Lab, empowering students with no prior programming experience to design their own animations, games, interactive art, and stories. Using Scratch, this course introduces students to fundamentals of programming, found not only in Scratch itself but in traditional text-based languages (like Java and Python) as well. Topics include: functions, which are instructions that perform tasks; return values, which are results that functions provide; conditions, via which programs can decide whether or not to perform some action; loops, via which programs can take action again and again; variables, via which programs can remember information; and more. Ultimately, this course prepares students for subsequent courses in programming.

Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. See scratch.mit.edu.

What you will learn

• functions
• events
• values
• conditions
• loops
• variables
• abstraction

Skills you learn

• Computer Science
• Java (Programming Language)
• Visual Programming Language (VPL)
• Python (Programming Language)
• Typing
• Animations

Auto Summary

Embark on your programming journey with *CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch*, an engaging course offered by edX. Perfect for beginners, this foundational course provides a gentle introduction to the world of coding, setting the stage for more advanced studies in IT and Computer Science. Over the span of 90 days, you'll dive into the basics of programming using Scratch, a visual programming language designed to simplify the learning process. Guided by expert instructors, this course is ideal for individuals looking to build a solid foundation in programming. Flexible subscription options, including Professional and Starter plans, make it accessible for learners with different needs and commitments. Whether you're a novice eager to explore coding for the first time or someone preparing for subsequent, more challenging courses, this program is tailored to equip you with essential programming skills in a fun and interactive manner.