8 Best Coding and Programming Apps for Beginners

Overview:

Coding is fun. It's exciting to make things happen on a computer, or even on your phone! If you are curious about how websites, games, or apps are made, learning to code is a great first step. But where do you begin? You're fortunate-there are many coding apps for beginners that make it easy to start learning programming. These applications make coding fun and accessible to anyone, especially kids, through interactive tools. Now, which are the best apps to begin your coding journey? So, what is coding?

But let's first understand what coding is before we discuss the best coding apps for beginners. Coding is giving a computer instructions in a language it understands. Just as you instruct your friend to bake a cake or build a toy, coding lets you instruct a computer to make games, websites, animations, and much more.

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1. ScratchJr - The Fun Way to Learn Programming

ScratchJr is one of the most popular coding apps for beginning coders. This is an app specifically created for children aged 5-7, to be introduced to coding. Kids can use this app to develop interactive stories, animations, and games by connecting colorful code blocks. Each block represents a different activity, like moving the character or making him speak.

One thing is that it is super easy to use and doesn't require any type. Just drag and drop. With Scratch Jr, children learn the fundamental concepts that are part of programming like loops, conditions, and sequences. If you are interested in getting a fun and easy way to learn programming, Scratch Jr is the best.

Related: Understanding Coding Competitions and Clubs

2. Kodable 

It is another nice tool for beginners who want to learn programming with their language, so to say it's a lot like using words when making your sentence. Here the user simply can drop and drag elements around to program its path, so learning is not that complex as it is extremely intuitive.

Kodable is another excellent coding app for beginners. This app is just right for children in the 4 to 10 age range. It's wonderful for learning programming without frightening vocabulary: Kodable is an interactive learning environment where kids are challenged to guide a cute little fuzzball through mazes by writing simple lines of code.

This app illustrates the necessary parts of programming via loops, conditions, and functions using easy-to-understand terms. The only reason Kodable comes close to being one of the best is the fact that it is interactive. It makes learning code come alive, so school never feels like work. Kodable can easily be termed the best app if one has children and wants to expose them to the art of coding with easy tools in use.

 

3. Tynker - Interactive Coding Tools for All Ages

So, if you're ready for the next level of interaction and coding tools, Tynker's app provides advanced interactive coding tools, perfect for many different ages. From young beginners to the more experienced coders, Tynker has something for everyone.

For a block-based approach to coding, like ScratchJr, Tynker combines code blocks to create games and animations for beginners. To get more advanced in coding, Tynker introduces the text-based coding of popular languages such as Python and JavaScript. The app even allows you to create Minecraft mods, this is usually a winner with kids.

With Tynker, learn how to program and develop cool projects in no time. This is, in fact, one of the most versatile coding apps for beginners.

Related: Dealing with Coding Challenges and Debugging

4. LightBot - Learn Programming with Puzzles

Do you like solving puzzles? LightBot is a puzzle-based coding app for beginners that teaches programming logic entertainingly and pleasantly. In LightBot, you control a robot and guide it through different levels by writing lines of code.

Great for little kids, LightBot teaches problem-solving and logical thinking in a very engaging way without teaching them jumbled code. Levels of course, ramp up pretty quickly but not to the point where you'd be overwhelmed or frustrated. LightBot is one of the best apps to learn the basics of programming in a game-like environment.

LightBot is the perfect app to start a delightful and brain-boosting experience.

 

5. CodeMonkey - Fun and Interactive Coding Tools 

CodeMonkey is another application through which you can learn coding in a great way. This interactive tool teaches coding by actually writing code to solve challenges. You will help a monkey gather bananas, but the catch is you do this with code.

CodeMonkey begins with the simple learning of a programming language through CoffeeScript, and progressing will open you up to other languages. It is a great app for learning to code for beginners as it approaches real coding skills in a game-like way.

If you like solving puzzles and want a hands-on approach to getting started in coding-this is a great choice.

6. SoloLearn - Learn Programming at Your Own Pace

It's one of the best coding apps for beginners if you're a little older and want to dive into real programming languages. This app offers lessons in many of the top programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, and so much more. This app allows you to have interactive lessons which you can do at your own pace. You can even take coding challenges and quizzes to test your knowledge. SoloLearn helps one learn programming irrespective of age and skill level. To top it all off, there is a very massive community of other learners helping in answering questions and giving support.

If you were ever intrigued with coding and have been thinking of learning it yourself, think no more. SoloLearn is your big opportunity, and the best thing is, you can use it at your own pace and be interactive.

 

Related: How Does Coding Impact a Child's Problem-Solving Skills?

7. Grasshopper - Easy and Interactive Coding Tools for Beginners

This is a free app by Google that allows people to learn JavaScript, the most popular programming language in the world. The designed app is for beginners with no prior coding knowledge necessary to get started. Learn JavaScript by fun, bite-sized puzzles with Grasshopper. Solve each puzzle and learn a new concept in programming. In no time, you'll be writing real JavaScript. This app is perfect for someone who needs to learn programming step by step in a hands-on way. Grasshopper is an awesome introduction to JavaScript and a great tool in any beginner's kit.

8. Hopscotch - Make Your Own Games

Another brilliant coding app for beginner kids, Hopscotch is aimed at children aged 8-12, inspiring game creation and creativity. Using Hopscotch, you would be able to design your games with ease by dragging and dropping blocks of code.

It's like ScratchJr but far more advanced. You can play other people's games, and share your creations with other users of the Hopscotch community. It's a super fun way to learn to code and make your very own games at the same time!

Related: 7 Tips to Improve Coding for Kids

Conclusion

Now is the best time ever to start coding! With such fantastic apps for novices who want to learn to code, learning to code has never been easier, more fun, or indeed more available. From making games to animations or apps, these interactive tools make coding simple and fun.

Remember, coding is all about practice. So, the more you play with these coding apps for beginners, the better you will be at it. You don't have to learn everything at once; just take it one step at a time. Soon you'll be coming out with some fabulous projects and most of all may end up being one great programmer. Do go ahead and try out these apps today. Happy coding!

Test what you Learn: 

Question 1

What is one of the primary benefits of using visual coding apps for young children?

a) They require advanced typing skills
b) They help children understand coding concepts without needing to type
c) They are only available for teenagers
d) They involve learning through complex text commands

Correct Answer: b) They help children understand coding concepts without needing to type

 

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Question 2

Which of the following apps is NOT typically associated with visual coding for younger learners?

a) ScratchJr
b) Kodable
c) LightBot
d) Adobe Photoshop

Correct Answer: d) Adobe Photoshop

 

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Question 3

Can coding apps be used for learning without needing a computer?

a) Yes, many coding apps are available for tablets and mobile devices
b) No, a computer is always required
c) Only specialized computers can run coding apps
d) Coding apps only work offline

Correct Answer: a) Yes, many coding apps are available for tablets and mobile devices

 

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Question 4
Which of the following apps can be used on mobile devices for beginner coding?

a) Tynker
b) Microsoft Word
c) Blender
d) Adobe Premiere

Correct Answer: a) Tynker

 

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Question 5

What skill is most important for learning the basics of coding?

a) Typing speed
b) Advanced mathematical skills
c) Problem-solving and logical thinking
d) Artistic talent

Correct Answer: c) Problem-solving and logical thinking

 

If you enjoyed learning about the best coding apps for beginners and are excited to start your coding journey, do share this article with your friends and family. Spread the word and help others discover the fun of programming too.

 

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