Scratch is a free, visual programming language and online community developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. It allows users, particularly young people, to create interactive stories, games, animations, and simulations using a block-based coding system that is easy to understand and use.
In Scratch, users drag and drop blocks of code to build scripts that control characters or objects on the screen. These blocks snap together like puzzle pieces, making it easy for beginners to create code without worrying about syntax errors.
Scratch also provides a library of pre-made graphics, sounds, and animations that users can incorporate into their projects, as well as the ability to create and share projects with a global community of Scratch users. This community enables users to learn from each other, remix each other’s projects, and collaborate on new creations.
Overall, Scratch is a fun and engaging way to introduce young people to the basics of computer programming and computational thinking.