12 Best Kids Coding Languages/Tools and How to Get Started

Top 12 Kids Coding Languages and Tools

1. Introducing mBlock: The Perfect Tool for Young Coders

Age Group: 8+ years
While there are many great kids coding languages and resources out there, mBlock stands out as a comprehensive platform that makes learning to code engaging and effective for kids.
What is mBlock? mBlock is an innovative coding platform designed specifically for kids. It combines the simplicity of block-based coding (Scratch) with the power of text-based coding (Python), making it suitable for beginners and advanced young coders alike. With mBlock, kids can create games, animations, and even control robots, making their coding journey exciting and hands-on.

Why Choose mBlock?
- User-Friendly Interface: The drag-and-drop interface is perfect for beginners, while the option to switch to Python caters to those ready to take the next step.
- Interactive Learning: mBlock offers interactive tutorials, lesson plans, and projects that guide kids through coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.
- STEM Integration: It’s not just about coding; mBlock integrates with hardware like robots (e.g., Makeblock robots) and main control boards (e.g., Arduino UNO), making it a fantastic tool for STEM education.
- Community and Support: With a large community of users and extensive support resources, kids can find inspiration and help whenever they need it.

Getting Started with mBlock
a. Download the App: Head over to our website to download mBlock for your device.
b. Try the Web Version: You can also use the mBlock web version directly at ide.mblock.cc.
c. Explore Tutorials: Dive into our interactive tutorials that guide you step-by-step through creating your first project.
d. Join the Community: Share your projects, get feedback, and find inspiration from other young coders around the world.

2. Scratch

- Age Group: 8-16 years
- Why It’s Great: As one of the best kids coding languages, Scratch is a visual programming language where kids can create stories, games, and animations by snapping together code blocks. It’s perfect for beginners because it teaches fundamental coding concepts without the need for syntax.
- Getting Started: Kids can dive into Scratch projects directly on the Scratch website or through various offline options.

3. Python

- Age Group: 10+ years
- Why It’s Great: Python is a text-based language that’s known for its simplicity and readability. It’s a great next step after Scratch as it introduces kids to more complex coding concepts while still being beginner-friendly.
- Getting Started: There are countless resources online, including tutorials and interactive websites like Code.org and Codecademy, to help kids start with Python.

4. Blockly

- Age Group: 8+ years
- Why It’s Great: Blockly, similar to Scratch, uses visual blocks to represent code. It’s a fantastic way to transition from block-based coding to text-based coding, as it can generate JavaScript, Python, and other languages from the blocks.
- Getting Started: Many educational platforms integrate Blockly, making it easy to find learning resources. Also, visit the Blockly website for tutorials and projects.

5. Alice

- Age Group: 10+ years
- Why It’s Great: Alice is a 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create animations, build interactive narratives, or program simple games. It uses a drag-and-drop interface similar to Scratch.
- Getting Started: The Alice website offers plenty of tutorials and a supportive community to help kids get started.

6. JavaScript

- Age Group: 12+ years
- Why It’s Great: JavaScript is a powerful, text-based programming language widely used in web development. It allows kids to create interactive websites and web applications, giving them a head start in front-end development. (By the way, don’t mix this up with Java – they’re totally different languages!)
- Getting Started: There are many online courses and resources, like Codecademy, that offer JavaScript tutorials for beginners.

7. Java

- Age Group: 13+ years
- Why It’s Great: Java is a robust, text-based programming language commonly used in developing Android apps and large systems. It’s an excellent language for kids ready to tackle more complex coding projects and understand the backend of applications.
- Getting Started: Online courses, such as those on Coursera and Udemy, provide structured learning paths for Java beginners.

8. Ruby

- Age Group: 12+ years
- Why It’s Great: Ruby is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a great language for kids to start with if they want to learn the basics of text-based programming in a straightforward way.
- Getting Started: Websites like Codecademy offer beginner-friendly Ruby tutorial

9. Swift

- Age Group: 12+ years
- Why It’s Great: Swift is Apple’s programming language for iOS and macOS development. With Swift Playgrounds, Apple provides an interactive environment where kids can learn coding concepts while creating their own apps.
- Getting Started: Download Swift Playgrounds from the App Store to start learning.

10. C++

- Age Group: 14+ years
- Why It’s Great: C++ is widely used in game development and real-time simulations. It’s more challenging but offers a strong foundation in programming for kids who are up for the challenge.
- Getting Started: Check out resources like LearnCpp.com for detailed tutorials.

11. Go

- Age Group: 14+ years
- Why It’s Great: Go, also known as Golang, is a statically typed language designed at Google. It's one of the best kids coding languages. It’s great for kids interested in learning about the infrastructure behind software development.
- Getting Started: Visit Go.dev for resources and tutorials.

12. Kotlin

- Age Group: 14+ years
- Why It’s Great: Kotlin is a modern language that’s fully interoperable with Java. It’s used for Android development and offers a good introduction to modern programming concepts for kids.
- Getting Started: Platforms like JetBrains Academy offer Kotlin courses for beginners.

Conclusion

Learning to code opens up a world of possibilities for kids, helping them develop essential skills for the future. With the right tools and resources, like Scratch, Python, Blockly, Alice, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, and especially mBlock, the journey to becoming a young coder can be both fun and rewarding. So why wait? Get started with mBlock today and watch your child’s creativity and problem-solving skills soar!