Word of the Day: Scratch

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |December 4, 2017

Scratch Scratch is a free object-oriented software development kit (SDK) that allows children age 8-16 to create animations, interactive stories, games and music without needing to know a specific programming language. Scratch, which consists of a script, paint and sound editor, is maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab and features an online community to encourage collaboration among young programmers. Scratch has a zero-code interface, which means that users (who call themselves scratchers) don't have to write source code for the programs they create. Instead, they assemble component blocks that are actually units of code represented by different interconnecting shapes. Each block has a specific command and unique function and once the user has connected a series of blocks, he or she can click a green flag to run the script and see what the program does. This visual, building block approach to programming is similar to the way some other low-code/no-code (LCNC) development platforms work for the enterprise. Scratch has proven to be a popular initiative with over 25,000,000 student projects created to date. The program, which is used in more than 150 different countries and is available in more than 40 languages, has replaced PowerPoint as the presentation software of choice in many schools. In addition to fostering coding literacy, the program is known for being a fun way to help students solve problems logically, work collaboratively and improve communication skills. Quote of the Day "The assumption that no-code/low-code platforms only create subpar applications is a direct result of their ease of use." - Zachary Flower   Trending Terms software developers kit object-oriented programming low-code/no-code development platform hard skills citizen development script   Learning Center What's with cybersecurity education? We ask Blaine Burnham Read our Q&A with Blaine Burnham, a former NSA manager who developed cybersecurity education programs at Georgia Tech and other universities. IT education in schools is still not working - and that's a huge problem for the digital economy There is a real danger that technology education in schools will wither and die, with all the risks that brings to the UK's digital skills, research and innovation capabilities. Sanderson and Code First: Girls - facing my coding fears Clare McDonald attended a Code First: Girls coding taster session to learn more about coding education in an inclusive environment. The power of no-code/low-code platforms Learn about the latest no-code/low-code platforms. Tech expert Zachary Flower discusses how they can improve productivity and usability. No-code/low-code app development evolves from loathed to loved Forward-thinking CIOs have turned a corner and come to use no-code/low-code app development tools for better business project success. Writing for Business It's typically difficult to _______ programmers to document their code, even though it makes it easier to work with in the future.. a. convince b. persuade Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.