Are you Looking for Easy to Learn Kids Coding Languages? Read this Detailed Review And Comparison of the Top Programming Languages For Children:
According to Code.org – a non-profit company focused on making computer science education more accessible, the use of its platform has increased in the U.S in the last five years.
Today, 40% of all students in the country are enrolled on the website to learn introductory computer science. Out of all the students enrolled there, about two million have demonstrated basic computer proficiency and 46% of these students are females.
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Coding Languages For Kids
Despite the students’ interest in learning computer science and programming languages, universities are not producing enough computer science students to meet the demand.
While universities are very much responsible for meeting this shortfall, the best way to overcome the problem is by encouraging students to learn computer science and programming languages while they’re still at school.
The good news is that school kids are already showing a great interest in coding. According to Code.org, tens of millions of students have already tried its Hour of Code – which is a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages.
By now, it should be clear that coding language for kids is now a necessity rather than an option. While teaching kids to code can seem daunting and impossible at times, the opportunities that will open up for the kids after they learn how to code will make the lessons worth the effort.
Coding is at the forefront of future careers. Therefore, teaching kids to code in different programming languages will open up many career options for them when it’s finally time to apply and get into a professional college.
In addition to opening up many career options for them, learning how to code can benefit kids in the following ways:
- Improving their logical thinking.
- Strengthening their verbal and written skills.
- Fostering creativity in them.
- Helping them improve their math skills.
- Improving their academic performance.
- Helping them become more confident problem solvers.
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Kid’s coding languages, including “What type of programming languages are best for Kids?”
Let’s start!!
FAQs About Programming Languages for Kids
Q #1) What type of Programming Languages are best for Kids?
Answer: There are different types of programming languages that kids can learn. Some of the most popular types of programming languages include compiled programming languages, interpreted programming languages, procedural programming languages, Object-Oriented Programming languages (OOP), and scripting programming languages.
Which of these programming languages is the best for kids? This depends on a number of different factors. For Example, interpreted programming languages are good choices for kids if you want to teach them how to execute the written code line-by-line using an interpreter directly.
Teaching compiled programming languages to kids equips them with the ability to compile the written code into an object code instead of having to execute it line by line. Procedural programming languages are useful for dividing a program into statements, variables, conditional operators, and functions.
OOP is useful for implementing entities of the real world like polymorphism, hiding, and inheritance in the programming world. Lastly, the advantage of teaching scripting programming languages is equipping them with the ability to manipulate data in a server or database.
In short, the best type of Programming language for kids will depend on what sort of coding skills you want to equip them with and also what you want to achieve by teaching them how to code.
Q #2) Which features will make Programming Languages good for Kids?
Answer: There are many different features that can make it easy and useful for kids to learn a programming language. However, two main qualities that need to be present in any programming language being taught to kids are Accessibility and Practicality.
One of the main things that make a programming language accessible to kids is that it does not look scary to code or assemble. Some other things that contribute to the language’s inaccessibility are increasingly complex deployment steps and a lot of historical baggage.
The practicality aspect of a programming language is important as every programming language that is taught to kids must enable their creative instincts instead of limiting them.
Q #3) Is there any age limit for learning Programming Languages?
Answer: No, there is no age limit for learning how to code. You can learn any programming language that you want at any age. In fact, we find coders as old as 70 and as young as five nowadays. This is one of the best things about computer science and programming languages.
For kids between the ages of five and eight, it is best to choose coding languages with visual learning environments.
For kids older than 8, you may go for a programming language that involves programming script and/or text while full-programming languages can be taught to kids aged 12-17. Also, regardless of the age of the kids, it is always better to start with an interpreted language as it does not require any compilation or objective. Instead, it is interpreted on the fly.
The Best Coding Languages For Children
Enlisted below are the best Programming languages for Kids in today’s world.
- Java
- Swift
- C++
- Scratch
- Blockly
- Python
- JavaScript
- Ruby
- Alice
Comparison of the Top 5 Kids Coding Languages
| Language Name | Platform | Our Ratings (Based on Ease of Learning) ***** | Suggested Age Group | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Java | Windows, Linux, Mac OS. | 4/5 | Minecraft coding (ages 10-12), Coding apps (ages 13-17). | Stable, Scalable, Highly adaptive, Graphical interfaces, Special software, Great for developing apps and Game engines. |
Swift | Mac OS | 3.5/5 | Ages 11-17. | Free to download, Drag-and-drop code, Best for developing apps for Apple platforms. |
C++ | Windows, Linux. | 3/5 | Code apps (ages 13-17), Develop and code games (ages 13-17), Game programming (ages 13-18). | Used for creating applications that run locally on machines, Cross-platform game development, First choice for developing Window desktop applications. |
Scratch | Windows, Mac OS, Linux. | 5/5 | Code and design games (ages 7-9), Code-a-bot (ages 7-9), Game design (ages 10-12). | Block-style storytelling, Free to download, Supplemented by beginner tutorials, Building-block visual interface, Can be used without internet connection, Kid friendly programming. |
Blockly | Windows, Mac OS, Linux. | 4.5/5 | 10+ | Uses interlocking building blocks, Can output code in several different programming languages, Code is visible along the side of the coder’s screen, Ability to switch programming languages on the fly, Backbone for Android App Inventor, Ideal for teaching coding to kids of all ages. |
#1) Java
Well-known as the official language for developing apps for the Android platform, Java is an objective-oriented and easy-to-handle programming language and the app developers using this app development technology have many open source libraries to choose from.
For kids, the biggest motivation to learn the Java programming language is learning how to build on Minecraft. Ever since it was released in 2011, the game has been on the minds of many kids across the globe. This interest of kids in Minecraft can be used to teach them how to use logic in Java, and solve several problems using the programming language.
Once kids learn how to code in Java, they’ll find that the Minecraft game is highly adaptive and open to customization.
Features: Stable, scalable, highly adaptive, graphical interfaces, special software, great for developing apps and game engines.
Cons:
- It takes much more time than the other languages to run.
- It consumes a lot of memory.
- No support for low-level programming.
Suggested Age Group: Minecraft coding (age 10-12), Coding apps (age 13-17).
Platform Requirement: Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
Website: Java
#2) Swift
Swift is one of the best programming languages to start teaching kids how to code. This is because the Swift programming language/technology requires minimal coding while offering advanced features.
Additionally, the programming language comes with a guideline that makes it easy for kids to convert Swift commands into game-like behavior. Another great thing about Swift is that it allows development with a simple drag-and-drop code.
Features: Free to download, drag-and-drop code, best for developing apps for Apple platforms, etc.
Cons:
- Not a fully developed programming language.
- Poor interoperability with IDEs and third-party tools.
Suggested Age Group: 11-17
Platform Requirement: Mac OS
Website: Swift
#3) C++
Considered as the foundation for most programming languages, C++ is equipped with the capabilities to develop enterprising apps. Using a compiler-based approach, which is a simple and yet effective approach to app development, C++ can help to develop apps on multiple platforms, thanks to its versatility.
In the past, Objective-C, the sister language of C++, was used to develop apps in Apple systems. For kids, it can be a great way to learn how to create applications for windows.
Features: Used for creating applications that run locally on machines, cross-platform game development, the first choice for developing Windows desktop applications, etc.
Cons:
- Very little memory management.
- Lack of customer operators.
- Complicated for beginners i.e. kids.
Suggested Age Group: Code apps (age 13-17), Develop and code games (age 13-17), Game programming (age 13-18)
Platform Requirement: Windows, Linux.
Website: C++
#4) Scratch
A programming language that provides kids with a solid foundation for learning how to code, Scratch has a visual coding environment and allows the development of apps, games, and characters with drag-and-drop code blocks.
The programming language is supplemented by beginner tutorials, comes with a building-block visual interface, and can be used without an internet connection. All these make Scratch an ideal language to introduce kids to coding.
Features: Block-style storytelling, free to download, supplemented by beginner tutorials, building-block visual interface, can be used without an internet connection, kid-friendly programming, etc.
Cons:
- Inability to practice and develop programming skills on the keyboard.
- May not be suitable for some children.
Suggested Age Group: Code and Design games (age 7-9), Code-a-bot (age 7-9), Game design (age 10-12).
Platform Requirement: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Website: Scratch
#5) Blockly
A direct competitor of Scratch, Blockly develops code in the same way as the former i.e. it uses the same interlocking building blocks for development purposes. This visual block programming language function of Blockly makes it easier for kids to master code.
Developed for kids aged ten or older, Blockly allows switching programming languages on the fly. Additionally, it is the backbone of the Android App Inventor. Overall, Blockly provides kids aged 10+ with a robust environment for learning programming or how-to code.
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Features: Uses interlocking building blocks, can output code in several different programming languages, code is visible along the side of the coder’s screen, ability to switch programming languages on the fly, backbone for Android App Inventor, ideal for teaching coding to kids of all ages, etc.
Cons:
- Limited functionality beyond basic coding.
- It does not allow users to create custom blocks.
Suggested Age Group: 10+
Platform Requirement: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Website: Blockly
#6) Python
One of the easiest coding languages to learn, Python requires only a few lines of code to become operational. This means that it is relatively easy even for beginners, such as kids, to learn how to create programs or applications using Python.
Used in highly-advanced fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, Python is an incredibly versatile programming language and can be used to create numeric and scientific computing projects, web frameworks, and video games.
Features: Uncomplicated syntax, Pygame toolkit, beginner books & tutorials, versatile programming language, etc.
Cons:
- Regular and consistent practice is required to learn the language.
- Not supported by iOS or Android.
Suggested Age Group: 10-18
Platform Requirement: Mac OS, Windows, Linux.
Website: Python
#7) JavaScript
A procedural and object-oriented programming language, JavaScript is native to all web browsers. Additionally, it is used for client-facing or front-end applications. This means that the computer of the user is where the JavaScript actions are executed.
Kids who master this programming language will be able to transform simple documents on the web into user-friendly games and applications. This programming language is best for kids who already have some experience coding in Python or Scratch programming language. Overall, JavaScript is an excellent language for kids to learn text-based coding.
Features: OOP and procedural programming language, lightweight, case sensitive, client-side technology, user’s input validation, interpreter-based, control statement, event handling, etc.
Cons:
- Lack of debugging facility.
- Sluggish Bitwise function.
Suggested Age Group: 10-12
Platform Requirement: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Website: JavaScript
#8) Ruby
An object-oriented programming language, Ruby is a programming language for kids with clear syntax.
A programming language that follows the Principle of Least Astonishment (POLA) philosophy, Ruby is designed to make coding as simple and uncomplicated as possible. This programming language is natural, consistent, and easy to remember.
Features: Object-oriented, case sensitive, flexible, singleton methods, expressive features, naming conventions, mixins, statement delimiters, dynamic typing, duck typing, portable, exception handling, etc.
Cons:
- Slow processing
- Shortage of flexibility
Suggested Age Group: 5+
Platform Requirement: Windows, Mac OS, UNIX.
Website: Ruby
#9) Alice
Designed to teach the concepts of object-oriented programming, Alice is a free 3D tool. For kids, it can be a great way to create games or animations as Alice allows them to program scenes, 3D models, and camera motions by using the building blocks approach.
In addition to the above, the easy play button and drag-n-drop interface of Alice makes it extremely easy for kids to learn the programming language. Overall, Alice is a great way for children to learn coding in a block-based visual environment.
Features: Objected-oriented programming, drag-n-drop coding, block-based visual environment, etc.
Cons:
- A high level of lagging when compared to the other programming languages.
- No conversion to .exe
Suggested Age Group: 10+
Platform Requirement: Mac OS, Windows, Linux.
Website: Alice
Conclusion
All the kids coding languages listed above have some pros and cons. Thus, the best programming language for kids will vary based on the child’s individual preferences.
For Example, Java is a good choice for encouraging kids to get started with coding as Minecraft, a popular game among kids, is developed using the Java programming language. Once kids are motivated to learn Java, you can teach them how to use logic in coding, and solve several problems using the Java programming language.
On the other hand, Swift is a good choice for teaching kids coding using a programming language that requires minimal coding and comes with advanced features. C++ can be a great way to teach kids how to create applications for Windows.
Scratch can be used to provide kids with a solid foundation for learning how to code while Blockly can be ideal for providing kids aged 10+ with a robust environment for learning programming, by allowing them to switch programming languages on the fly.
Further reading =>> Review and compare top Functional Programming Languages
Our Review Process
Our writers have spent more than 8 hours researching the best programming languages for kids with the highest rating on review sites. To come up with the final list of the best kids coding languages, they have considered and vetted 12 different programming languages and read over 15 reviews from users and experts. This research indeed makes our recommendations trustworthy.