Three Easy Coding Languages for Junior Coders in The Making

Is your child fascinated with coding? Curious about how websites and apps work? Don’t overlook these interests! Let your child learn programming basics by focusing on easy coding languages. 

Coding is the heart of creating impressive websites and apps. Young software developers first learn how to code using common programming languages and use these codes to create different software components. 

Software programmers perform rigorous coding which goes through thorough reviews before it becomes an application. Teaching future programmers the fundamentals of coding as well as great processes and practices when completing projects will help them:  

• Enhance logical thinking 
• Boost creativity 

• Improve verbal, written, and math skills 
• Increase academic performance 
• Build confidence to solve different problems 

Which Coding Languages are Perfect for Kids? 

There are about 700 coding languages available, including esoteric coding languages. From these, only a handful is recommended for children. Some of the best for kids are Java, JavaScript, Swift, C++, Scratch, and Blockly. Some kids’ programming courses also teach Ruby, Python, and Alice. We’ll take a closer look at some of these languages later. 

What Features Should Parents and Teachers Look for? 

Parents who wish to nurture their child’s interest in coding or programming, and teachers looking for the most suitable for their courses, should always aim for accessibility and viability. 

A programming language must be accessible to young coders. It must not look complicated and deployment must be simple and manageable even by beginners. Also, a programming language should be practical or viable. Children must closely identify with the program and should find value in learning it. A good programming language must inspire creativity and foster sharing.   

Top 3 Best Coding Languages for Kids 

Here are the top three programming languages that your junior coder must master. 

Java 

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux 

Ideal Age Group: for Minecraft coding, ages 10 to 12; for coding apps, ages 13 to 17 

Java is the official language for creating Android apps. It is an object-oriented programming language known for its ease of use and huge open-source library. Many developers prefer Java because it’s easy to modify, access, and distribute. 

Kids learning how to code will find Java easy to learn and use on Minecraft. Java was released 25 years ago but it’s still widely used by many all over the world especially by kids because of Minecraft. Your child’s interest in this game can be used to help them learn Java logic and solve simple problems through this language. As your child learns Java coding, they will eventually find Minecraft very adaptive and easy to customize. 

Features 

• Adaptable and scalable 
• Great graphical interfaces 
• Good for developing software and apps 
• Made for creating game engines 

Disadvantages 

• Can take more time to run than other programming languages 
• Can consume huge memory 
• Lacks support for low-quality coding 

Swift 

Platform: Mac OS 

Ideal Age Group: ages 11 to 17 

Swift is known as one of the best programming languages because it’s children find it interesting to use. It has versatile features and needs minimal coding. Kids will find it easier to learn coding with Swift thanks to a user’s guide. Using this language is similar to playing games with drag-and-drop movements and other game-like elements. 

Features 

• Swift is free to download and use 

• Easy drag-and-drop coding 
• Ideal for creating apps for Apple devices 
• Kids will love its game-like features 

Disadvantages 

• Swift is not a fully developed coding language 

• Is not fully compatible with integrated development environment software 
• Is not compatible with third-party tools 

C++ 

Platform: Windows and Linux 

Ideal Age Group: for coding apps, ages 13 to 17; developing and coding games, ages 13 to 17; game programming, ages 13 to 18. 

C++ is one of the basic programming languages. It comes with features that can create enterprise apps. C++ utilizes a compiler-based system that users find simple to use and effective for many app development tasks. This programming language is versatile as it can be used on various platforms. 

Before C++, there was Objective-C, a language used to create Apple apps. This is another language that kids can find easy to learn and use to make software on Windows. 

Features 

• Ideal for developing apps that will work locally 
• Chosen for creating games on various platforms 

• Used by developers for desktop apps on Windows 

Disadvantages 

• Poor customer operations/support 
• May be complex for kids and beginners 
• Offers poor memory management 

Runners Up 

There are other programming languages worth mentioning, such as Scratch, Blockly, and Python. 

Scratch is one of the more popular programming languages that gives users a good foundation for coding. It offers visual coding that allows users to develop games, apps, and characters using drag-and-drop blocks of codes. Scratch has supplemental guides or tutorials plus can be used even if your computer is not connected to the web. Scratch is free and offers a kid-friendly/beginner-friendly programming environment. 

Blockly may look similar to Scratch as it also uses the same block coding system to develop apps but it allows users to switch to different languages. Blockly is the backbone of the software called Android App Inventor and is great for kids who want to learn programming basics. 

Python is one of the first coding languages. It’s easy to use as it only requires a few code lines to start. Kids can easily learn how to make apps and programs with this language. Python is the heart of advanced applications like Artificial Intelligence and various cybersecurity applications. Students make use of Python’s versatile programming to create computing projects, video games, and other web frameworks.   

Final Words 

Kids can learn how to code to create simple games and applications with the use of any of these programming languages. These can help provide a strong programming foundation, especially in developing advanced software and mobile applications. 

Parents and teachers must take the time to find the best programming language for kids. It should be accessible, versatile, and interesting for kids to learn. 

Custom software and applications automate different processes, secure sensitive data, and reduce cost among others. Because of these reasons, bespoke software developers are very much in demand.  Support your child’s interest in programming and steer him closer to a lucrative career with these coding games and apps.     

Author Bio 

Pranjal Bora works as Head of Product Development at Digital Authority Partners.