CP - Coding Application [LESSON]

Coding Application

Introduction

Have you ever thought of what some building blocks of coding are? Such as creating algorithms of commands and making decisions within its code? You will learn in this lesson how we can unravel the power of coding structures, such as if-then statements and loops to solve problems using a visual block based program tool. 

Knowledge Point

Coding Control Structures: If-Then Statements and Loops

In the world of programming, coding control structures play a vital role in directing the flow of a program. If-then statements allow us to make decisions in our code based on certain conditions, while loops help us repeat a set of instructions until a specific condition is met. By mastering these structures, you can create more dynamic and efficient programs. In practicing and collaborating you can ultimately deepen your understanding of how to use and compare if-then statements and loops, which is a part of you laying a strong foundation in your coding journey.

Coding Everyday Examples

Below are a few everyday examples of coding, see if you can think of a few examples of using certain coding control structures in reference to your everyday life.

Scratch: The Block-Based Approach to Programming

Let’s switch gears a little and delve into the actual process of problem solving using a popular type of programming. Have you ever used a coding platform called Scratch? Maybe you have but let’s just say you have not had the experience with scratch. What exactly is Scratch and how can I create programs using block based programming?

Scratch: The Block-Based Approach to Programming

Take a look at the video below to get a sneak preview of Scratch from the team. 

OER Source: Scratch Team “Scratch! Links to an external site." OER Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license

Now that you have had a chance to take a glimpse of the many possibilities that can happen using Scratch, add that to your creative mindset. What could you possibly create using coding structures in Scratch? 

Wrap-up

In programming, control structures like if-then statements and loops are crucial for guiding program flow. If-then statements help make decisions based on specific conditions, while loops assist in repeating instructions until certain criteria are met, leading to more dynamic and efficient programs. Understanding and practicing these structures using block-based programming deepens coding knowledge and lays a strong foundation for programming.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.