6 Best Programming Languages for Kids to Start Learning Code
With the development of technologies and study curricula, the basic computer science classes of kids have long evolved from simple typing skills to learning how to code. These days, schools and parents all over the globe are trying to introduce computer programming to young kids as early as possible.
Learning how to program can improve your kids’ learning abilities, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning prowess and make them ready for a bright career path. However, dealing with mindboggling lines of code, loops, functions, and syntaxes can be hard to grasp for young kids.
That’s why we will show you the six best programming languages for kids to start learning how to code. So, without further ado, let’s dig in.
Scratch
Scratch is a high-level, drag-and-drop, block-based programming language that allows programmers to build enjoyable games and animations. This is one of the greatest basic coding languages for kids to learn the fundamentals of coding while working on interactive projects with no prior coding experience.
This visual block-based coding language was developed by the MIT Media Lab. It also includes a number of video lessons to help youngsters learn how to code in Scratch. Learning this coding language can benefit your children later with other sophisticated coding languages since it provides an excellent programming foundation.
Python
Python is one of the easiest programming languages that kids can learn, even if they don’t have any knowledge of the programming concepts. And still, it’s one of the best programming languages out there that coders use every day to solve real-world problems.
Python can be used for web development, app development, game development (though it’s not popular), developing machine learning and AI algorithms, and more.
This coding language’s syntaxes are almost like the English language. They are readable, easy to understand, and user-friendly, making Python one of the best kids coding languages. Any kid older than ten years can start learning this coding language either on an Apple, Windows, or Linux device.
Java
You can’t create a list of the best programming languages for kids without talking about Java. While it’s not as easy as Scratch or Python coding languages, it still has quite readable syntaxes and is widely popular among Android and game developers. Today, Java is being used to develop Android mobile apps, games like Minecraft, desktop apps, and even AI programs.
Still, if you want your kids to learn an easy-to-handle object-oriented programming language that has tons of open-source libraries and an active online community, Java is the best choice.
If learning Java the normal way feels dry to your kids, you can teach them this coding language through Minecraft, one of the most popular video games for teaching kids how to code.
In Minecraft, the kids can build a 3D block-based world, modify different game elements, and add new things via simple lines of code written using Java. This way, kids can enjoy the game, solve ingame problems, and have fun, all while learning more about Java.
Lua
Do your kids prefer text-based coding? If that’s the case, Lua can be a great coding language for kids to start learning computer programming. It’s a simple, user-friendly, open-source, and embeddable scripting language.
Although it has a minimal user interface and few technicalities, it’s still one of the most powerful programming languages.
This coding language focuses on efficiency and simple syntaxes that make it easier for kids to learn to code. In fact, Roblox, one of the best online gaming and coding platforms for kids utilizes Lua. Even popular games like Angry Birds were created using this programming language.
With easy syntaxes, an active community of developers, and many available tips, guidance, and online courses for young kids and developers, it’s one of the best languages to start learning how to code.
Javascript
Javascript is one of the most popular programming languages that supports almost all web browsers. It’s also one of the best coding languages for front-end application development.
If your children can learn this language well, they can transform simple online documents into simple games and user-friendly applications.
Even though kids can start their programming journey using Javascript, it’s recommended to learn at least one programming language like Scratch or Python before starting to work with Javascript.
The kids can use Javascript to modify HTML and CSS codes to develop highly interactive web pages. This makes it one of the best languages to learn programming fundamentals and dive into web development.
Ruby
Ruby is yet another object-oriented programming language for beginners or new learners to delve into computer programming. Just like Python, it’s a high-level coding language that has simple and readable English-like syntax.
Ruby allows its developers to write fewer lines of code to develop complex features. And it means it’s one of the best languages for teaching kids how to code. Plus, the Ruby codes are readable and intuitive, so computer science learners grasp the concepts easily.
From data processing services to automation tools and even websites, Ruby can be used to develop it all. In fact, there are more than one million websites on the internet that are developed using Ruby, which also include Twitter, one of the most popular social media platforms.
Final Words
There are many reasons why parents these days want their kids to learn how to code. Coding develops the kids’ problem-solving abilities, improves cognitive thinking skills, enhances their imaginations, and builds the foundation for lucrative career paths.
Still, with complex syntax and almost robotic lines of code, learning it can be difficult for kids. That’s why the kids should start their coding journey with simple, intuitive, and yet high-level programming languages like Python, Ruby, Java, or Lua to understand the programming concepts well.
You can also enroll your kids in code camps, online coding classes, and kid’s programming groups to help them learn coding in a systematic way. This way, you can help them learn to code faster.
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