Coding Languages for Kids
If your child is ready to explore coding, there are several great options designed specifically for young learners.
Scratch is one of the most popular starting points for kids learning to code. It uses colorful, block-based programming that allows children to create games, animations, and interactive stories, without having to write any text-based code.
For kids who enjoy playing Roblox, Lua offers a natural next step. Lua is the scripting language used to create custom Roblox games, encouraging creativity while introducing typed code in an engaging, game-based environment.
When kids are ready to move on from block coding, Python is one of the most beginner-friendly text-based languages. It's widely used by professionals at companies like Google and Disney and can be applied to simple games, number-based projects, and even basic app development.
JavaScript powers the interactive features of most websites and is a great choice for kids interested in web development. It’s widely supported and relatively easy to experiment with, making it a useful early coding language.
Kids interested in building 3D or mobile games - especially those who are curious about augmented reality - may enjoy learning C# in Unity. Unity is a professional-grade game engine used in many popular games and apps, and is suitable for more advanced learners.
Java is used to create mods in Minecraft, making it a compelling language for fans of the game. It introduces more complex syntax and logic, and is a good fit for kids who already have some programming experience and want to personalize their gaming world.