My Experience with Scratch Programming

    Using Scratch to build a short program was a fun and educational experience. I created a simple animation called “Dancing Cat Show” that used motion, looks, sound, and control blocks. The cat danced across the screen, changed colors, and moved to music. I used over 30 blocks to make the cat move forward and backward, turn in circles, and play sounds. Scratch made it easy to drag and drop each block in the right order, and it helped me understand how computers follow step-by-step instructions (Scratch, n.d.). 

    This project gave me a better understanding of how programming works. It showed me that coding is really just giving clear directions to the computer. I learned how important it is to organize commands and how small changes can affect the outcome. For example, changing the number of steps the cat moves or the wait time between actions changes how smooth the dance looks. 

    When I compared Scratch to the programming languages discussed in Section 10.1 of the CertMaster Learn Tech+ textbook, I realized Scratch is more visual and beginner-friendly than compiled, interpreted, assembly, or query languages (TestOut Corp., 2024). Scratch is easier to use because it doesn’t require typing complex code. I didn’t need to know exact syntax like I would with a compiled language such as C++ or Java. It also runs right away, like an interpreted language such as Python. 

    The easiest language for me was definitely Scratch. The blocks were colorful and clearly labeled, and I could see right away if something was wrong. I didn’t get error messages that I couldn’t understand, which sometimes happens with typed code (Wolber et al., 2011). 

    Each programming language type has its best use. Compiled languages like C++ are great for large programs that need to run fast, like video games or desktop software. Interpreted languages like Python are good for beginners or for writing code quickly without needing to compile it first. Assembly language is used when programmers need very detailed control over hardware, like writing code for computer chips (Raymond, 2003). Query languages like SQL are used to work with databases and pull up information fast and in an organized way. 

    Overall, building a program in Scratch helped me learn the basic logic of programming in a simple and fun way. It showed me that anyone can learn how to code with the right tools and practice.