All over the world, we use many different languages for communication. Thanks to advances in modern technology today, coding allows us to communicate with computers and robots. Coding is an important skill that any child should learn and develop. There are so many advantages to learning coding languages. 

There are many coding languages to introduce your children to, and determining which ones are appropriate for your child to learn can be difficult because each coding language has its own operating system style and intended usage. It could also feel daunting to teach children to code.The opportunities that will open up for them once they learn to code, however, will make all of the lessons worthwhile.Teaching children different coding languages will not only broaden their career options, but will also help them get into professional colleges and hone their logical thinking, written and verbal communication skills, creativity skills, and so much more.

The choice of what coding language to choose may  completely depend on your child’s age and interests. However, this blog will provide you with an overview of the three easiest coding languages that you might want your children to start with.

  1. Python

Python is known to be the best coding language for beginners and is widely regarded as the most user-friendly and versatile coding language.1 It is named after the “Monty Python” comedy series and is considered one of the simplest coding languages to learn. It is regarded as the simplest due to its simplified syntax, emphasis on whitespace, and the fact that it only requires a few lines of code to run, making it relatively easy to grasp for beginners.1

It is a coding language that reads like normal speech and does not require any additional comments to the code as it is written well enough in a manner as if the comments are already included within the code.

When children start with Python, they will face far fewer challenges in learning how to code. This will assist them in constructing ideas in their heads and focus on converting those ideas into computer-readable instructions.

Python is used in highly advanced fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, despite being one of the easiest coding languages to learn. Python is a highly adaptable programming language that has been used to develop scientific computing projects, video games, web frameworks, and much more.2

  1. Scratch

When it comes to teaching code to children, visual coding languages such as Scratch provide a solid foundation for learning. Scratch is one of the best ways to learn logic and basic coding principles without having to deal with complicated syntax or tools. Scratch has a visual coding environment and is block-based where users can snap code together from a toolbox of instruction blocks. Everything children need in written coding languages, including loops, logical statements, and functions, is expressed in an easy-to-understand visual style. This visual style is an excellent way for young children to develop a firm grasp of the program and learn how to structure codes.

For children who are creative and are interested in making animation, art, music or interactive stories, Scratch is the best coding language that can be learned online for free. While the language is simple enough for children to understand, there are also many other functionalities and options for experienced coders to use to their fullest extent. It is also supplemented by beginner’s tutorials and also comes with a building-block visual interface and can be used without internet connectivity. All of this makes Scratch the ideal and easiest language to introduce children to coding.1

  1. Java

Java is a well-known and widely used programming language for developing apps for the Android platform. It is an objective-oriented and easy-to-use coding language, which is why most programmers prefer it over other coding languages. Though Java is thought to be more difficult to learn than Python and Scratch, choosing Java as the first coding language to learn will make learning any subsequent coding language easier for children; it has been around for two decades with an ample amount of online resources, tutorials, toolkits, etc.2

Analysts estimate that 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Java, making it the most popular coding language in the world.1 Java allows children to make their own apps and websites. Learning how to make their own Minecraft apps could be the most compelling reason for children to learn Java. Using this interest of children in Minecraft or similar apps can be used to teach how to use logic and solve several problems using Java. Once children overcome the initial hurdle of installing the JDK and understanding the syntax, the process of learning Java becomes easy. The process of learning Java becomes simple once children have overcome the initial hurdle of installing JDK and understanding the syntax. Java-based apps are also known to be more stable, maintainable, and scalable, making the time spent learning Java worthwhile.3

Besides these, there are numerous other simple coding languages available, such as JavaScript, C++, C#, Ruby, Lua, and others.Children can benefit greatly from learning various coding languages. Every one of these languages can help children understand coding and coding principles better. If you are interested in learning more about these coding languages, visit BYJU’s FutureSchool Blog, where there is a repository of articles on coding.

References:

  1. 7 Kids Coding Languages for 2021 | Easiest & Best Programming Options. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.idtech.com/blog/choose-best-programming-language-your-child
  2. 5 Best coding languages for kids – CoderZ. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://gocoderz.com/blog/5-best-programming-languages-kids/
  3. Top 9 BEST And Easiest Kids Coding Languages [2022 Rankings]. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/coding-languages-for-kids/
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