Scratch vs Python, What Language Should You Learn And How?

There are a plethora of programming languages to choose from. For parents interested in teaching their children coding, deciding to choose which one to start with is a typical question.

It is essential to highlight that the decision might be based on the aims and interests of the child. There are numerous possibilities accessible to you if you are searching for something to pique their attention while also serving as a useful resource for them to begin their coding adventure.

There are many free resources available that are simple, basic, and interactive. For instance, drag-and-drop languages like Scratch, or a text-based programming language like Python.

Difference Between Scratch and Python?

Scratch

Most educational institutions begin their students’ education using Scratch. This is because it’s a visual programming language (block-based), which has an entertaining and dynamic user interface designed primarily for children aged 5 to 10.

It consists of game design, storytelling, and animation to introduce kids to the fundamentals of programming without making it appear tedious or uninteresting.
Python is a difficult language to learn. For beginners with little or no programming knowledge, Scratch is a terrific place to start. It enables kids to code by allowing them to place logic “blocks” on the canvas.
Spending at least four hours each week for a month can help kids develop intuition, critical thinking, and the drive to come up with their own ideas.

Both Scratch and Python are suitable for novices. Scratch is a block-based language better suited to younger students and those with less programming experience.

Python

Python is a programming language that prioritizes readability for the end-user. In comparison to Java or C++, it is an excellent language to learn to code since it allows programmers to code in fewer stages and with less grammatical complexity.

Python is currently the most popular programming language on the planet, thanks to Google’s decision to make it an official programming language.
Its greatest strength is its simplicity of use, as well as the large community of programmers and instructors that can help you learn it quickly.

Despite the fact that Python is more complex than Scratch, there are ways to teach it to kids. Python is a wonderful tool for professional game, web, and app development at the beginner to expert levels. As well as an amazing starting place for learning other programming languages.

Features

Scratch is not considered a professional programming language. It was created with children in mind. It serves no practical use in the world other than to expose children to computer science at a young age.

For the student, all of the blocks, which may be regarded as functions in and of themselves, are pre-programmed. While kids may have a wonderful time with Scratch, it will not prepare you for any type of job.

Python, on the other hand, is more advanced and offers nearly limitless project possibilities. And, because it is utilized at the college and professional levels, the possibilities for what children might learn are endless.

Verdict

Educators choose Scratch because it is straightforward and easy to teach. Whereas, genuine programmers think that the ideal method for a novice is to start with Python. Since it will cover the fundamentals of programming in more depth.

ScratchJr is the greatest place to start if your child is very young, but Scratch may also be a good introduction to coding for older kids.
Learning Python and other programming languages will be easier once they have mastered basic programming ideas with Scratch.