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When one thinks of programming, the first thing that comes to mind are endless lines and lines of code. Although this is the basis of everything, you should know that learning to program does not have to be boring. Did you know that you can learn to program even from your mobile?
There are countless applications that can help us immerse ourselves in the different programming languages in a pleasant way. So you can get learning code no matter where you areAnd through tutorials more entertaining than a brick book on JavaScript.
Here we present five apps with which you can learn to program. You'll find tools specially designed for adults, but also interesting options for boys and girls who want to start from a very young age. Read on to discover them.
1. Grasshopper
Let's start with a recent novelty. It is Grasshopper, an application that has just come to the fore and in which Google workers have worked internally. They have done so through their Laboratory of Experimental Products Area 120.
Now Grasshopper is official and although it is a product from the Google factory, it is available for both iOS and Android.The application is attractive and dynamic So, although learning to program promises to be a complicated task, Grasshopper makes everything easier.
You will start with a series of knowledge tests, with specific questions about programming. And you will be able to advance and earn points as you progress. What you will learn will be the language JavaScript and you will do it as if you were playing. Almost without realizing it.
Keep in mind, however, that the application is entirely in English. A language that, on the other hand, will have to master any person who dedicates himself – or wants to dedicate himself in the future – to programming. Grasshopper is now available And can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or via the App Store.
2. Lightbot : Code Hour
What if we learned to program when we were little? The fashion of premature programming has spread in recent times. And there are more and more fathers and mothers who encourage their children to get their act together from a very young age It's a good way to build youth skills. Lightbot: Code Hour is an app for just that.
It is a tool that works like a game, of course. And that it is also recommended for children from four years old. Which already seems soon enough to us. On the board, these little budding programmers will find a robot and different commands
The game is organized by levels, so that the level of difficulty increases as the user progresses. The objective is to place or program the different commands so that the robot can reach its destination and finally, the light bulb turns on.The challenges will increase in level and the child will learn progressively.
We like it because the instructions are clear and the app is generally well developed. We are sure that it will arouse the interest of the little ones in programming. Of course, if English is not their mother tongue (usually, if they do not have it as their first or second language), they will have to have the support of an adult who understands the instructionsIf you prefer, you can also download it for iOS.
3. Enki
Now let's go to another application, in this case for adults who have already taken their first steps in the world of programming. Although it starts at the most basic level, Enki is a good formula for learning a little bit of code every day.
The app works like a crash course in programming. The first thing you will have to do is read the agenda and then, you will have to answer some questions. It is a good option, whether you are just starting out or if you intend to revise knowledge already learned
First of all, you will have to select at least two types of languages. You have at your disposal the following learning areas: Web, Python, JavaScript, Linux, Git, Java, Comp.Sci, SQL and Security. Once you indicate your interests, Enki will ask you to select your level (Beginner, Familiar, Confident or Expert).
From there, the application will take care of adjusting the agenda and the questions In this way, you can start where you really It is interesting, instead of doing it from scratch, if you already had some assumed knowledge. When you are ready, you will have to click on the I'm ready button.
You will have the option to configure when you want to receive reminders to start learning code Then you will have to register and you can start. Enki will prepare the first exercises and you will be able to start applying yourself to this programming thing. Enjoy it. It is available for Android and iOS.
4. Programming Hub
Learning the fundamentals of programming can only be achieved by studying and reading the fundamentals. It's clear. Programming Hub is an application that will help you in this task, because it contains all the information you need – basic – to learn different languages. You have, for example, Java, C++, C, HTML, JavaScript, Python 2, CSS, C Advanced, Python Advanced, Java Advanced, Artificial Intelligence, C++ Advanced, IT Basics, Computer Networks, Python 3, C (C Sharp), Php, VB 6, Assembly 8086, SQL, Shell Script, VB.Net, JQuery, R Programming, Ruby and Swift. As you can see, the options are more than generous.
To access the contents you will have to register (you can do it with a Google account) and in this way you will also be able to save your progress Little by little you will gain information and after reading, you will have to answer a few short questions to confirm that you have understood everything.
The contents are very well done, they are clear and easy to understand. Thus, although the information is dense, the context and design make the learning process enjoyable. The app is also available for iOS.
5. codeSpark Academy
And we finish with another application for children to start learning code from a very young age. In this case, it must be said, codeSpark Academy is an application designed for children from new yearsSo if your child is younger, we recommend you go directly to Lightbot: Code Hour.
First, you will need to register (as a parent) with an email address. Next, you will need to indicate the child's age. First you can enjoy a free trial for seven days. If you are interested, then you can access the paid version.
We find the application very interesting because it provides children a good foundation in programming And it does so through fun and entertaining activities , appropriate for their age. We talk about games, puzzles and other more creative projects, like designing your own games and printing your creations.
If you have several children, you should know that you can create up to three different profiles. You will be able to see their progress and the application will be in charge of offering activities and challenges according to the knowledge acquired.It is interesting that you know that the application has been developed in collaboration with MIT and Princeton University. Will a great little programmer come out of here?
