Why People Mistakenly Call Scratch 'Coding' When It's Not

The term coding is often used inaccurately when discussing Scratch, a visual programming language designed specifically for children. This article explores the reasons for this misuse and clarifies what Scratch is and what it isn't.

Understanding the Misuse of the Term

There are several reasons why the term "coding" is used incorrectly when discussing Scratch:

1. Misunderstanding of Scratch

Some individuals may not be familiar with Scratch as a specific platform. It is a visual programming language that uses blocks to represent coding instructions, rather than text-based code. This can lead to confusion as users may not distinguish between Scratch and other programming languages.

2. Generalization of Terms

People often generalize the term "coding" to refer to any visual or block-based programming environment. This can include other platforms like Blockly, thereby leading to the misuse of the term "coding" in the context of Scratch.

3. Informal Usage

In casual conversations, terms can evolve and be used in different contexts. Someone might casually refer to any rudimentary coding experience as "coding," regardless of the specific platform or language being used.

4. Emphasis on Learning

The term "coding" is sometimes used to emphasize the educational aspect of Scratch. Many users appreciate Scratch's role in teaching fundamental programming concepts to children, leading to its frequent, but sometimes inaccurate, usage.

What is Scratch?

Scratch is a programming language designed specifically for children. It is a block-based coding language that is user-friendly and allows children to learn programming principles without the complexity of traditional text-based coding.

Key Features of Scratch:

Drag and Drop Interface: Scratch uses a visual, block-based interface where users can drag and drop code blocks to create programs. This makes coding accessible to beginners, especially children who may not yet have the fine motor skills to type.

Educational Focus: Designed for children aged 8 to 16, Scratch is ideal for introducing programming concepts in an engaging and intuitive way.

Limited Functionality: While Scratch excels in teaching basic programming concepts, it has limitations in terms of advanced functions and real-world applications. It is best used for simple projects like making a cat jump or creating simple interactive stories.

Scratch as a Programming Language?

Scratch is technically a programming language. However, it is often described as not being a "real" programming language for several reasons:

1. Limited Functionality

Scratch is not suitable for building complex software or systems. It lacks advanced features such as API’s, modules, and the ability to communicate with external systems, making it limited in its real-world applications.

2. Educational Tool vs. Professional Tool

Scratch is an excellent educational tool, particularly for introducing programming concepts to children. However, it is not designed or suitable for professional use by software developers.

3. Real-World Examples

While Scratch can be used to create impressive projects, such as 3D cloud games, it is often compared to using a hammer to screw in a screw. It can achieve basic results, but it is not the most efficient or effective tool for the job.

Conclusion

In summary, while Scratch is a valuable educational tool, it should not be mistaken for a professional programming language. It is excellent for teaching children the fundamentals of programming and creating simple, interactive projects. However, for complex software development, traditional text-based programming languages are more appropriate and efficient.