Scratch, Wolfram, and C: 3 ways to start learning computer programming

Scratch (before C/Python/JavaScript)

Made for kids to help them learn computer programming through graphics/drag & drop tools instead of text. You can come out with your own stories and animations.

“Although many of the programs designed to teach kids to code are very simplistic, many of them, like Scratch, are suitable for all ages. It doesn’t matter how old you are…Get started with the basics of programming!” -Lifehacker

You are introduced to object, script, condition, loop, variable, and sound (multimedia) without getting overwhelmed by syntax. Scratch is not usually recommended for professional jobs due to a number of reasons including being slow.

Scratch is actually the first programming language introduced even for adult learners enrolled in CS50, the largest course on the Harvard campus with more than 2,000,000 learners.

A stand-alone program is also active on edX now focused on Scratch programming.

Wolfram Language

Pioneered by Stephen Wolfram, Wolfram Language has its root in Mathematica (started 1987), a software project on algebraic operations and scientific computations.

As a high level language, lot of knowledge is already built on Wolfram Language such that for many operations, you just need to type your query in a simple English language. In other words, “The Wolfram Language allows programmers to operate at a significantly higher level than ever before, by leveraging built-in computational intelligence that relies on a vast depth of algorithms and real-world knowledge carefully integrated over three decades.”

Wolfram Language can be a great platform to learn/apply calculus and linear algebra. With Wolfram Notebooks, you will learn its capability to generate interactive documents, something that can make your WordPress site more interactive.

Here is an easy way to start with Wolfram Language: An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language by Stephen Wolfram. For open courses for students and professionals, take a look at Wolfram U. Access on-demand free courses, register for daily study groups. To demonstrate your skills, there is an opportunity to get program completions certificates by taking part in quizzes. By clearing exercises, you are Wolfram Technology Level 1 Certified.

C

Is C a good first language for learning programming?
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