バイブコーディング 初心者向け!プログラミング未経験でも60%アプリ開発が可能
"I want to start programming, but it seems difficult..." Does this sound familiar?
Actually, there's a beginner-friendly programming method called Scratch that allows even programming beginners to easily develop apps. Instead of writing code with text, you can create programs by simply combining blocks, making it a great option for beginners.
In this article, Yuta will provide a comprehensive guide for Scratch beginners, covering the basics and practical learning methods to help you get started.
What is Scratch? An Introduction for Beginners
The Beginner-Friendly Mechanism of Scratch
Scratch (visual programming) is a method where you create programs using figures and blocks instead of text.
In traditional programming, you need to write code using something akin to English. However, with Scratch, you can simply connect blocks like a puzzle to complete a program.
For example, to create a program where "pressing a button plays a sound":
- Traditional method: You need to accurately input text-based code.
- Scratch: Just connect a "button" block and a "play sound" block.
This way, anyone with basic computer skills can easily get started, which is why Scratch is highly recommended for programming beginners.
Why is Scratch Ideal for Beginners?
There are three main reasons why Scratch is great for programming beginners:
1. No need for difficult memorization You don't have to memorize programming language syntax or rules. The necessary blocks are displayed on the screen, so you just need to select and combine them.
2. Fewer errors Since there are no text input mistakes, the stress of "why isn't it working?" is greatly reduced.
3. Visual understanding The flow of the program is visible as a diagram, so you can intuitively understand "what processing is being done now."
These features allow Scratch beginners to learn programming fundamentals without giving up.
Pros and Cons of Scratch for Beginners
Benefits for Beginners
The joy of quickly turning ideas into reality The biggest advantage of Scratch is that you can quickly turn your ideas into reality. Even beginners can create simple games or animations on the same day.
The experience of seeing your own creation working is highly motivating to continue learning. Many Scratch beginners feel "it's easier and more fun than I thought!" because of this immediate feedback (Progate, 2023).
Free to get started Most Scratch tools are available for free. There's no need to purchase expensive software, so you can "just give it a try."
Cautions for Beginners
On the other hand, Scratch beginners should also be aware of some drawbacks.
Limitations for complex app development Scratch is designed for beginners, so it has its limitations in creating large-scale, sophisticated apps. However, the features available are sufficient for beginners to learn.
Eventually need to learn text-based coding If you aim to become a professional programmer, you'll eventually need to learn traditional text-based coding. However, mastering Scratch first makes the transition smoother (Dotinstall, 2022).
Scratch beginners should utilize it as a tool to learn "the way of thinking in programming" first.
Recommended Tools for Scratch Beginners
For Complete Beginners: Scratch
Scratch is the most popular tool for Scratch beginners.
- Completely free to use
- Fully supports Japanese
- Easy to create games and animations
- Used by beginners worldwide (Udemy, 2021)
While it was developed for children, Scratch is also ideal for adult Scratch beginners. There are plenty of instructional videos and articles, so you can quickly find solutions when stuck.
For Those Who Want to Make Smartphone Apps: MIT App Inventor
MIT App Inventor is a visual programming tool for creating smartphone apps.
- Easily develop Android apps
- Test apps on your own smartphone
- Can use features like camera and GPS
This is recommended for Scratch beginners who want to "create usable apps." You can even show the apps you made to your friends, providing a sense of achievement.
For Those Who Want to Create Websites: Bubble
Bubble is a tool for creating websites and web services.
- Can build full-fledged web applications
- Implement features like member registration
- Used even in actual business settings (Bubble, 2023)
This is a bit more advanced than other tools, but it's a great choice for Scratch beginners who want to "eventually create web services."
Scratch Beginner's Learning Roadmap
Step 1: Try it out first (1-2 weeks)
The first thing Scratch beginners should do is get familiar with the tools.
What to do first:
Don't try to understand everything perfectly - the key is to just "give it a try." Many Scratch beginners find that their understanding deepens by actually using the tools.
Practice tasks for beginners:
- Display a character on the screen
- Make a sound play when a button is pressed
- Move a character
Starting with these simple tasks will help you learn the basic Scratch operations.
Step 2: Complete a simple project (2-4 weeks)
Once you're comfortable with the basics, try completing a small project.
Example projects for beginners:
- Rock-paper-scissors game
- Quiz app
- Simple calculator
- Animation with a moving character
It's best to start with "something that can be completed in 1-2 hours" rather than aiming for a large project, as that can lead to frustration for Scratch beginners.
Once you've completed a project, show it to your family and friends. Getting feedback will help maintain your motivation.
Step 3: Challenge yourself with more complex features (1-2 months)
After mastering the basics, gradually add more functionality.
Tasks for the next step:
- Games with a scoring system (Dotinstall, 2022)
- Features to save data
- Apps with multiple screens
It's natural for Scratch beginners to get stuck at this stage. If you have any issues, try the troubleshooting methods introduced in the next section.
Troubleshooting for Scratch Beginners
Common Issue 1: "I don't know what to create"
This is a common concern for many Scratch beginners.
Solution:
- Look at other people's projects for inspiration
- Try recreating existing games or apps
- Create something you think would be useful
Scratch has a gallery of projects created by beginners around the world. Browsing these can help you come up with ideas you think you can make.
Common Issue 2: "It's not working as expected"
This is a wall that all Scratch beginners will encounter.
Solution:
Utilizing online communities is especially important. In Scratch beginner forums, you'll find many people with the same issues who are happy to provide helpful advice.
Common Issue 3: "I can't maintain my motivation"
Solution:
- Set small goals: Complete a specific feature by the end of the week.
- Make time to work on it regularly: Even 30 minutes, 2-3 times a week is fine.
- Join a community: Interact with other Scratch beginners for encouragement.
It's easier to keep going when you learn together with other beginners rather than alone.
The Next Step for Scratch Beginners
Also Try Text-Based Coding
Once you're comfortable with Scratch, you can also start exploring traditional text-based programming.
Beginner-friendly languages:
- Python: Simple and readable
- JavaScript: Can be used for website creation
Since you've already learned the basic programming concepts like "variables," "loops," and "conditional branching" in Scratch, you'll find the transition to text-based code smoother (Udemy, 2021).
Tools like Blockly that can convert Scratch blocks to text-based code can help you make the transition.
Continuous Learning Methods
Utilize online learning services:
- Progate: Learn in a game-like manner (Progate, 2023)
- Dotinstall: Short video lessons (Dotinstall, 2022)
- Udemy: Comprehensive courses (Udemy, 2021)
Tips for building a habit:
- Make time for 15 minutes of coding every day
- Publish your projects on social media
- Regularly challenge yourself with new things
Continuous learning is the key to progressing from a Scratch beginner to an intermediate programmer.
Summary: Scratch Beginners Can Start Today
Scratch is an ideal introductory programming method for beginners.
Key points from this article:
- Scratch is easy as you just combine blocks
- Beginners can start for free with various tools
- Scratch is a great choice for complete beginners
- Start with small projects for success
- Ask the community if you get stuck
Programming doesn't require any special talent. As a Scratch beginner, taking that first step will allow you to experience the joy of app development.
Even if you think "it seems difficult," just try accessing Scratch and play around for 10 minutes today. That small step could be the beginning of your programming journey.
I'm rooting for you, Scratch beginner!