Computer Coding for Kids: A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, from Binary Code to Building Games

Description

Python programming and Scratch are a doddle to learn with this easy and colourful guide to coding for kids. Just follow the simple steps and you'll be writing programs in no time. With more than 250,000 copies sold worldwide, Computer Coding for Kids is perfect for beginners of all ages. It starts with the Scratch programming language. Simple examples get readers up to speed quickly, explaining not only how Scratch works but also introducing universal coding concepts, such as loops, variables, strings, and Boolean logic. The Scratch section includes several longer, worked examples of games that readers can build in minutes by following the simple numbered steps. The second part of the book covers the Python language, building on the principles learned in Scratch. This section is ideal for readers who've mastered Scratch and are eager for new challenges. The Python section includes several longer, step-by-step projects that allow readers to build and adapt their own games. Computer Coding for Kids is equally well suited to children who are new to programming and to those who are already interested and hungry to learn more. 6 Contents 8 FOREWORD by Carol Vorderman 10 HOW THIS BOOK WORKS WHAT IS CODING? 14 What is a computer program? 16 Thinking like a computer 18 Becoming a coder STARTING FROM SCRATCH 22 What is Scratch? 26 Scratch interface 24 Installing Scratch 28 Sprites 32 Project 1: Escape the dragon! 30 Coloured blocks and scripts 38 Making things moves 48 Pens and turtles 42 Hide and seek 40 Costumes 44 Events 46 Simple loops 50 Variables 60 Project 2: Roll the dice 54 Strings and lists 52 Maths 56 Co-ordinates 58 Make some noise 62 True or false? 64 Decisions and branches 66 Sensing and detecting 68 Complex loops 70 Sending messages 72 Creating blocks 74 Project 3: Monkey mayhem 82 Time to experiment PLAYING WITH PYTHON 86 What is Python? 88 Installing Python 92 Introducing IDLE 94 Errors 96 Project 4: Ghost game 98 Ghost game decoded 100 Program flow 102 Simple commands 104 Harder commands 106 Which window? 108 Variables in Python 110 Types of data 112 Maths in Python 114 Strings in Python 116 Input and output 118 Making decisions 120 Branching 122 Loops in Python 124 While loops 126 Escaping loops 128 Lists 130 Functions 132 Project 5: Silly sentences 134 Tuples and dictionaries 136 Lists in variables 138 Variables and functions 140 Project 6: Drawing machine 148 Bugs and debugging 150 Algorithms 152 Libraries 154 Making windows 156 Colour and co-ordinates 158 Making shapes 160 Changing things 162 Reacting to events 164 Project 7: Bubble blaster 176 What next? INSIDE COMPUTERS 180 Inside a computer 182 Binary and bases 184 Symbols and codes 186 Logic gates 188 Processors and memory 190 Essential programs 192 Storing data in files 194 The Internet PROGRAMMING IN THE REAL WORLD 198 Computer languages 200 Coding stars 202 Busy programs 204 Computer games 206 Making apps 208 Programming for the Internet 210 Using JavaScript 212 Bad programs 214 Mini computers 216 Becoming a master programmer 218 Glossary 220 Index 224 Acknowledgements