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Update: This article was last updated on 20th Oct 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Technology, the ever-revolving carousel of innovation! We’re bombarded with it, and yet when it comes to our children, we find ourselves standing at a crossroads, facing a maze of options, uncertain of the first step to take. To bail you out of this dilemma, we recommend taking baby steps because learning is a process and nothing changes suddenly.
Your children can step into the world of technology with coding. Don’t worry, starting with basic coding isn’t as hard as it sounds, especially with the child-friendly tools available now. Learning how to program is a wonderful skill for any child. It’s like learning the ABCs for computers!
Let’s take a look at 10 top programming language for kids.
There are many programming languages that are suitable for kids to learn in 2023. Some options include:
| App Name | Description | Age Range | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch | Easy to use block-based programming language for kids | 8-16 years old | Easy |
| Snap! | Similar to Scratch, but with more features for complex programs | 10+ years old | Medium |
| Blockly | Another easy to use block-based programming language | 10+ years old | Easy |
| Swift | Programming language for building iOS and macOS apps | 9+ years old | Medium |
| Ruby | Programming language known for its expressiveness and ease of understanding | 10+ years old | Medium |
| C++ | Powerful and flexible programming language that can be used for a variety of purposes | 12+ years old | Hard |
| Python | Widely used programming language with a large and supportive community | 12+ years old | Medium |
| HTML/CSS | Languages used to create websites and web applications | 10+ years old | Easy |
| Java | Popular programming language used to build a variety of applications | 12+ years old | Medium |
| Lua | Simple and easy to use programming language for embedded systems and applications | 10+ years old | Medium |
We have a surprise for you so read the full blog to avail it.
1. Scratch
Image source : Pinterest
Scratch is a high-level block-based visual programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) specifically for kids in 2007. It allows children to create interactive stories, games, and animations by dragging and dropping colorful blocks of code. This makes it easy to create simple programs, even if they have no prior programming experience.
It is popular among kids, and since its launch, it has gained 100 million users worldwide and has become the world’s largest free coding community for kids.
Age: 8-16 years old
Recommended Reading: Top 5 Scratch Project Ideas for Kids
2. Snap!
Snap!, developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, is a free web-based visual programming language and online community that allows children to create interactive stories, games, and animations using block-based programming. Formerly known as
It is similar to Scratch, but Snap! is designed for a slightly older audience and has additional features that make it more suitable for creating more complex programs. Children can use Snap! To create a wide variety of programs, from simple animations and games to more complex programs that involve math, science, and social studies.
Recommended Reading: Coding for Kids: Why Should Every Child Learn to Code?
3. Blocky
Blockly, developed by Google, is also available for free on the web at the Blockly website. This is also a free, open-source visual programming language. It is designed to be easy to use, even for those who have never programmed before.
Blockly is used to create programs in a wide variety of languages, including JavaScript, Python, and XML. It is often used in educational settings to teach programming concepts to beginners, as it provides a more intuitive and interactive way to learn to code. It is also available as an app for iOS and Android devices.
4. Swift
Image source : Pinterest
Swift is a visual programming language developed by Apple for building iOS and macOS apps. Released in 2014, it is easy to learn and has a growing community of developers, making it a good choice for kids who are interested in mobile app development.
Swift is suitable for kids aged 9+.
5. Ruby
Ruby is another programming language that can easily usher children into the world of programming as it strikes a balance between functional and imperative programming styles. Its creator, Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto, drew inspiration from a variety of languages, including Perl, Smalltalk, Eiffel, Ada, and Lisp, to create a language that is expressive and powerful yet still easy to read and understand.
Matz’s vision was that Ruby be natural rather than unnecessarily simplified. He released it in 1995, but it got worldwide acceptance in 2006. Ruby is also completely free. Not only free of charge, but also free to use, copy, modify, and distribute. Twitter was created on Ruby.
6. C++
It is an easy programming language for beginners. Its versatility can be used for a wide range of purposes, including developing games, desktop apps, building operating systems, and web browsers. After learning C++, it is easier to pick up other programming languages like Java, Python, etc.It is known for its power and flexibility, as it allows programmers to choose from a variety of programming styles, such as procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. This makes C++ a valuable tool for developers working on a wide range of projects.
7. Python
Image source : Pinterest
Python is easily understood by computers, and it is easy for youngsters to learn. A wonderful programming language for educating children, it trains them to think like programmers. Children do not face any trouble learning to code in Python. It is so simple that they can transform the concepts in their heads into computer instructions. Python also comes with a slew of useful tools right out of the box. As a result, it is an ideal first language for youngsters.
8. HTML/CSS
Image source : Pinterest
HTML and CSS, known as fundamental web development languages, are a great way to get started with. The building blocks of the web are used to create websites and web applications. A good introduction to web development, the programming language can be learned through online tutorials or interactive courses. It is both an easy and straightforward programming language to learn.
9. Java
Java is a popular programming language that is used to build a wide variety of applications, including mobile apps, games, and web applications. It is a good choice for kids who are interested in app development.
10. Lua
Lua is a high-level, multi-paradigm programming language designed primarily for embedded systems and applications. It is popular because of its simplicity and ease of use. Lua is dynamically typed and has a simple, easy-to-learn syntax, which makes it accessible to programmers of all skill levels.
It is used for various purposes, such as game development, web programming, and scientific computing.
Surprise point: SQL is one of the most demanding programming languages in the world.
Recommended Reading: Lua vs Python – What are the Differences?
It’s important to remember that the best programming language for kids to learn will depend on their interests and goals. It’s a good idea to allow them to explore and try out different languages to see which one they enjoy the most.
Moonpreneur understands the needs and demands this rapidly changing technological world is bringing with it for our kids.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
I hadn’t considered Ruby before, but now sounds ideal for my 11-year-old. Knowing that Twitter was created using Ruby is impressive. I’ll encourage my child to explore this language further.
I’ve heard that Python is widely used in the tech industry. Is it suitable for my 12-year-old to start learning?
Yes, it is easy to understand and its simplicity makes it beginner-friendly.
One can also learn C to create a great coding base.
Can I learn coding without laptop?
Yes, you can learn basics but for hands-on experience, you need a laptop.
Tell me factors to consider when choosing a programming language for your child.
Here are some factors you should consider whenever you choose a programming language for your child:
Age: Some programming languages are better suited for younger children, while others are better for older children for example scratch is best suited for9-12 years.Interests: Consider your child’s interests when choosing a programming language. Career goals: If your child is interested in a career in computer science, you might want to choose a programming language that is in high demand in the industry.
My son is interested in coding. Is Python good for him?
Yes, Python is a good language for kids to learn, especially those interested in coding. It is easy to learn and can be used to create a wide variety of applications. Python is also a future development in programming. Python will increase the children’s thinking power , logical reasoning and problem solving skills.