Programming for Kids

[Pipsfc]

Hello all! My 11 year old son has taken an interest in possibly starting programming as a hobby. I love the fact he wants to do this and I know it spawns from his time playing Minecraft. Being able to accommodate this desire of his is a big deal for me as I have had some very basic knowledge and experience in school programming myself. So being the awesome dad that I am, I'm trying to determine what would be best to use to get him started?

As I said, my knowledge and experience is very limited in programming, so I want something that can help him but also help me to help him. Does anyone have a suggestion of a good beginner program for him (and me)? I've seen some people suggest Python, and it looks great, but I wanted to pick the brains of the experienced here.

 

[kanewolf]

Use an interpreted language like Perl. Instant feedback.

 

[Pipsfc]

Use an interpreted language like Perl. Instant feedback.

Perl was not one I found but I appreciate the suggestion. I'll take a look at that. Thank you!

 

[kanewolf]

Perl was not one I found but I appreciate the suggestion. I'll take a look at that. Thank you!

Perl isn't as "cool" as python ir ruby right now, but it has a very robust library of extensions available.

 

[USAFRet]

Perl is a good choice.

And remember, learning to program is not tied to a language.
It is more like learning to speak, vs not being able to speak.
Once you learn the concepts of speaking (or programming), learning a new language is momumentally easier.
If you already know how English works, it is relatively easy to learn Spanish.

 

[Pipsfc]

Perl is a good choice.

And remember, learning to program is not tied to a language.
It is more like learning to speak, vs not being able to speak.
Once you learn the concepts of speaking (or programming), learning a new language is momumentally easier.
If you already know how English works, it is relatively easy to learn Spanish.

That's a good way of looking at it. I think Perl will be our choice. I appreciate the help!

 

[COLGeek]

Try this free coding service from Google.

https://grasshopper.app/?utm_source=HPP&utm_medium=Owned&utm_campaign=Grasshopper

 

[Ralston18]

And I will suggest Scratch 2.0 via MIT. Free and lots of support.

https://scratch.mit.edu/download/scratch2

 

[USAFRet]

And I will suggest Scratch 2.0 via MIT. Free and lots of support.

https://scratch.mit.edu/download/scratch2

Yes.
My grandson glommed on to that a year or so ago. He likes it.

 

[mkaafy]

I think kids can (and should) learn Swift! Swift is more challenging. Learning it is real worthy for them.