What is visual coding all about?
In this post-pandemic scenario, educationists around the world are of the opinion that visual learning is often more beneficial than traditional learning. This is true in case of coding too. In fact, there’s a common saying in the coding community that, one needs to see it (code), to believe it. Visual coding is gradually emerging as an important branch of coding. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What is visual coding?
As the name suggests, visual coding is nothing but the ability to code graphically or visually. It is usually done with the help of coding blocks (a specific kind of coding software) as well as drag and drop methods, instead of texts in normal coding.
Visual coding is significant as it provides youngsters the opportunity to see the connection between a code and the result it generates. They see their efforts come to life.
Different kinds of visual coding
There are primarily four kinds of visual coding. They are:
Lego
Lego is a popular kind of visual coding for young coders. It implements drag and drop processes and helps in clearing the fundamental concepts through hands-on coding. Through Lego, one can experience a blank coding space and gradually build programmes and codes block by block. Here, each block gives coding instructions to perform a specific action. Thus, in this kind of visual coding, codes function as per they are conditioned. For example, they can be made to produce specific sounds, display specific pictures and even move around.
Scratch
Scratch is the most popular visual coding option for beginners. Its interface has colourful blocks, fun and interactive projects that instantly attract young coders. The best part is that it’s an active community where young coders can practise coding along with friends and peers. Visual activities like creating or sequencing of events such as Scratch Sprites and Whack’em (audio and visual codes are implemented), are absolute favourites with youngsters.
Sphero Bolt
Sphero Bolt is one of the most popular kinds of visual coding that offers two visual coding techniques – drawing and block-based coding. With the help of this, young coders draw paths, shapes and designs (all visual options) to perform actions. This is done through the help of a canvas. The code blocking system on the other hand, is a lot like Scratch and involves sequencing of events.
Engine Blueprints
This is suitable for older kids who have been coding for a while and are greatly interested in the fields of video gaming and game designing. Developed and run by coding giant Unreal, Engine Blueprints is a visual coding in which both scripting (text-based coding) and programming are involved. Here, coding is performed through drag and drop modes as well as graphic production. Blueprints, like Scratch helps to create events, like switching lights on and off or opening or closing windows.