Coding Apps for Teens
Swift Playgrounds
Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app; compatible with iPad and Mac only, makes code-learning Swift interactive and fun. The application requires no prior knowledge of coding and allows kids to solve puzzles to master the basics using Swift — a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by the pros to build today’s most popular apps. Later, introduces kids to a series of challenges and step up to more advanced playgrounds designed by Apple and other leading developers. And because it is built to take full advantage of iPad and the real iPadOS SDK, Swift Playgrounds is a first-of-its-kind learning experience.
It has built-in Apple-created lessons to guide kids through the core concepts of programming by using code to solve puzzles; the interactive 3D world can be used to rotate with a finger and pinch to zoom. Also, any three animated characters can be picked to introduce every new coding concept at a high level before diving into the puzzles. Not only this, it has a glossary and built-in help pages that give detailed information about available commands and frameworks.
Further, the app guides step by step through highlighting each line of code as it is run; allows to kids use their photos and images within a playground to make it uniquely theirs’, also create their playgrounds that use graphs, graphics, touch, or chat with the computer. It takes learning from scratch to entirely new places.
Compatible with: iOS.
Hopscotch
Available for free, Hopscotch is a drag-and-drop coding app that helps kids learn coding in the easiest possible way. This app empowers the learners to experiment and write their code and programs in Hopscotch programming language and allow them to be independent readers, and grants access to many levels to solve coding problems. Once these have been mastered, students are free to create their own coding programming stories.
Further, Hopscotch provides excellent, quirky graphics that look like old school arcade games, which can be accessed by simply signing in with an account and email address. The Home screen of the app shows two options, Make or Play. The Make option lets you begin a project. Parents and kids will find that very overwhelming, and we suggest you follow one of the projects with the in-app video to get used to the controls. It has got four of them. At the same time, the play option seems to be locked in a different screen version of the application. However, there are many options here and several different categories.
Encode
This no-cost application allows kids to build up their coding skills through their self-paced lessons: bite-sized explanations, coding challenges and real-world examples.
Loved by thousands of learners globally, Encode is a fun way to learn tech skills: from Python, JavaScript and Swift to using the command-line, building websites, querying databases and analyzing data!
The newest version of the app comprises an expanded range of free coding lessons. Through this, kids can learn to build websites, analyze data, query databases and more. Also, the Encode Plus introduces a new learning experience, powered by an all-new code editor designed for mobile.
Compatible with: iOS and Android.
Tynker: Fun Coding for Kids
Designed especially for kids, Tynker is a programming language app with over 20 million kids as their learners.
Whether they want to build an app or make their game, the easy drag-and-drop visual blocks make it really simple to do. Precisely, Tynker is part of an expanding category of LEGO-like programming tools, where children assemble blocks of code to create operational computer programs. The approach, made popular in education circles through MIT’s free Scratch platform, encourages learning through exploration rather than memorization of arcane programming formats and formulas.
Players encounter new programming concepts step by step as they try to solve programming mini-puzzles. A typical puzzle provides them with a few simple code blocks such as jumping, walking and repetition.
When the blocks are assembled in the correct sequence, a colourful cartoon character ambles across the screen, hopping onto the obstacles and reaching a reward on the other side. A variety of challenges take the player into outer space, solving puzzles on locked doors using programming code, and even a set of levels where programs cause a small robot to draw shapes on the screen. Feedback after each level rewards the stars for correct responses and provides guidance when the program is unable to resolve the assigned task.
Compatible with: iOS, Android and Web.
Coding Apps for Grown-ups
Khan Academy
Whether you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien trying to get into code learning, for free.
Khan academy’s ‘Hour of Code’ code learning programme is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming. The platform teaches new concepts using a talk-through, which is like a video but more interactive. Also, offers step-by-step challenges to practice newly learned concepts. And lastly, introduces learners to a project where they can get more practice and be more creative with the skills learned by far. The platform teaches at zero cost.
Compatible with: iOS, Android and Web.
Mimo
Designed for adult learners, Mimo offers bite-sized coding lessons, which is excellent for those with busy schedules. The premium version of the application is available at the cost of $4.99/month, which gives unlimited access to all of their courses and hands-on experience with real-world exercises and projects. The application adds new exercises weekly and supplies a code playground wherein learners can experiment with code examples and write and run their code.
The application has over 2,600 bite-size exercises, 53+ Concepts, and 32+ Projects for python learning; it unlocks at every level as learners keep expanding their skills. Furthermore, choosing the Web development path, learners dive into building websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which can be learned through its 13,000+ bite-size exercises, 87+ Concepts, and 62+ Projects. Also, with the SQL curriculum, learners dive into data science, analyze data with SQL, and even learn how Google and Netflix use big data to recommend websites or movies.
Compatible with: iOS, Android and Web.
SoloLearn
Developed to be a unique application, SoloLearn was launched in 2013. It has over 35,000,000 users worldwide, making it shine with competitions and a useful community that makes coding feel like a community experience. It is a series of free applications that allow users to learn various languages and programming concepts through short lessons, code challenges and quizzes. The lessons are written with the novice in mind, so anyone can learn to read and write their code.
SoloLearn comprises of lessons for the programming languages and concepts, like Web development (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JQuery), Python, Java, Kotlin, C++, C, C#, PHP, SQL, Algorithms and data structures, Ruby, Machine learning, Design Patterns, Swift and Git. The app does not seek prior knowledge of coding users; even beginners may use the app to learn to code. However, requires the learners to have basic technology skills like basic typing, the ability to select items on the screen, Drag-and-drop items on the screen and the ability to use VoiceOver gestures.
Compatible with: iOS, Android and Web.
Any other coding app you would want to add to our list?
