Programming involves creating a set of instructions to accomplish specific tasks. It is used in building games, websites, and even programming robots.

Today’s most widely used programming languages are C/C++, Python, Javascript, Rust, etc. These high-level languages are used to develop all the amazing applications and devices you use to interact with the digital world.

Blockly and Sctrach are block-based programming languages that utilize a graphical interface where code is created by dragging and dropping blocks in the coding area. These languages are particularly beneficial for beginners, kids, and new programmers as they provide a user-friendly environment for learning the basics of programming. Blockly, with its interlocking blocks, simplifies the coding process and makes it more accessible to new programmers.

The basic programming concepts are similar across languages in all the programming languages. Some of these concepts include:

1. Sequential Execution
2. Variables
3. Arithmetic and logical operations
4. Conditional Statements
5. Loops
6. Functional Programming
7. Object-Oriented Programming
8. Debugging

If you can figure out how these five concepts work, you have completed the majority of the way to be able to learn a new programming language. These concepts can be applied in a wide variety of languages and can be used to build applications like gaming, communication, autonomous cars, robots, etc. The opportunities are limitless.

Introduction to Programming course in Blockly is designed for first-time programmers, kids, or anyone who loves robots to cover fundamental topics in software programming such as sequential execution, arithmetic, logical operation, conditional statement, and loops. It covers software programming fundamentals in a fun, interactive environment with robots. In addition, this course enhances logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can be applied beyond software programming.

The course is divided into topics. In each topic, students will complete a set of missions with the robot. These missions give them a good grasp of the topic. Here is an introduction to the programming and coding topics in this course.

1, Sequential Execution

All robots or any electronic device complete their task by executing a list of commands. It is also called sequential execution of instructions.

In these missions, students learn how the robot is given a sequence of commands to complete simple tasks. They also get familiar with the robot and its world.

Robots or software programs have to make decisions and take action. Conditional statements help to decide which instructions to execute.The most common one is the if-else statement.These statements are very similar to the decisions and actions we take every day. For instance, if you are thirsty, you drink water. Else do not drink water.

In these missions, students learn logical operation, AND, OR, GREATER THAN, LESS THAN operators.

5. Loops

Loops are used in software programs to reduce the number of instructions.

For instance, if your friend has to place ten balls in a basket, instead of telling your friend ten times, “place a ball in the basket,” you would just tell your friend, “Place ten balls in the basket,” and your friend would place the ball in the basket ten times.

By the time students reach this section, they realize that many of the blocks are repetitive. The moment students learn about the loops, they are eager to use loop blocks to reduce the number of times they have drag-and-drop blocks. In these missions, students learn how to reduce the size of the code using loops.