Coding Programs for Kids | 10 Free Programming Languages to Get Started

1. ALICE

Age: +7 years; Alice 2.0-2.2 is for kids mainly around 7-13. Alice 3 is in beta and recommended for above 14-year-olds.
Level: beginner-level programming language.
Compatible with: Desktop or laptop computer with 1 GB RAM (2 GB or more is recommended, but not required).

ALICE is a free-to-use programming language. ALICE was developed by Carnegie Mellon University. The easy-to-use interface with an innovative coding environment enables the kids to learn using simple tools. ALICE teaches the object-oriented programming language (like C++) designed by tech experts. ALICE’s prime objective is to enhance the kid’s knowledge of programming language with a side focus on computational skills. Alice 3 focuses more on laying the groundwork for programming in Java.

Alice is an object-based, educational programming language with an integrated development environment (IDE). Alice uses a drag-and-drop environment to create computer animations using 3D models. Alice is an innovative block-based programming environment.

2. LUA (Roblox)

Age: +8 years;
Level: beginner-level programming language.
Download Link: lua.org/download.html
Compatible with all major browsers: To run Lua programs on your computer, you’ll need a standalone Lua interpreter and some additional Lua libraries.

LUA (Roblox) is a beginner-friendly, free and well-known platform for learning textual coding languages for kids. LUA was designed strategically to eliminate the potential issues of syntax faced by kids using simplified text-based scripts. LUA is the all-time favorite platform for kids to learn coding because of its unique coding environment. LUA (Roblox) is free of cost to learn simple concepts with efficiency.

A powerful, effective, portable, embeddable scripting language is Lua. Programming styles including procedural, object-oriented, functional, data-driven, and data description are all supported. Lua combines simple procedural syntax with powerful data description constructs based on associative arrays and extensible semantics. Lua is a robust language that is widely used for industrial purposes, and games. Lua is also a fast, embeddable, portable, available for free, and simple but powerful language.

Portuguese for “Moon” is “Lua,” which is pronounced, “LOO-ah.” Lua is a name, the name of the language, and the name of the moon that orbits the Earth.

3. Java Minecraft

Age: +10 years; According to the ‘Entertaining Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Level: beginner-level game platform.
Compatibility: Windows 10 (and above), Linux, and Mac

Minecraft is a sandbox construction game, written in Java by Mojang, where you can build anything you can imagine. The game is available on Minecraft.net. Although it is not free to play, Minecraft: Java Edition continues to be the most widely used version of the game. Only the PC, Mac, and Linux platforms now support Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition. For consoles or other Minecraft versions, this deal is not valid. You can play Minecraft for free by downloading the demo version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. However, Java Minecraft is not available for free.

Java Minecraft gained popularity globally because of its best programming concepts. Java Minecraft is a great choice for the programming community. Java Minecraft games promote creative thinking skill and problem-solving skills while learning programming languages. Minecraft gives a multifaceted gaming experience with a cartoonish environment. This enables your kids to engage in learning a programming language.

4. Python

Age: +8 years;
Level: beginner-level programming language.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Python’s concepts build a great foundation for your kids to master coding languages. Compared to most text-based coding languages, python’s teaching method is straight-to-point. It is well-designed with a user-friendly interface that young children can learn with simple tools. Python teaches programming language with a gaming environment that allows your kids to crack the most complicated tasks. Python also provides online support and libraries to master the concepts.

Python is created under an open-source license that has been authorized by OSI, making it freely distributable and useable, even for commercial purposes. Python’s license is administered by the Python Software Foundation. The Python Package Index (PyPI) hosts thousands of third-party modules for Python. Both Python’s standard library and the community-contributed modules allow for endless possibilities.

5. TWINE

Age: +10 years;
Level: beginner-level learning platform.
Compatible with all major browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and IE.

TWINE was created by tech experts and released in 2009. TWINE teaches kids how to structure and present interactive games and stories. TWINE addresses the requirements of those who facing frustration with a methodological aspect of coding. This language allows kids to extend their stories with variables, conditional logic, JavaScript, and CSS. TWINE has images and texts like websites connected through a good design interface. Kids can modify texts, images, and links on the website.

Anything you create with it is completely free to use any way you like, including for commercial purposes. TWINE can be downloaded on a desktop or can be used in the browser. The Twine Reference is a guide to the Twine user interface. If you’re new to Twine, start here.

6. Java Script

Age: +12 years;
Level: intermediate-level programing language
Compatible: Javascript is a cross-platform language that runs on a PC or laptop.

Java Script is the best coding language for kids because of its user-friendly interface. Java Script’s uncluttered concepts and technical requirements for kids allow the kids to learn with engagement. Once your kids master this language, they can transform simple web documents into full-scale games. Kids should learn variables, arrays, objects, methods, loop tables, functions, and parameters before learning JavaScript. There is also an option available to share your kid’s projects in a larger programming community.

JavaScript is a scripting language that allows you to do pretty much anything, including creating dynamically updated content, managing multimedia, and animating graphics.

7. C# (Unity)

Age: +12 years;
Level: intermediate-level game platform
Compatible: C# is open source and runs on cross-platform .NET Core.

The language that’s used in Unity is called C# (pronounced C-sharp). C# is a general-purpose programming language. It is a popular game engine. C# is an object-oriented, component-oriented programming language. Unity haves own programming language designed by experts. Unity is a great platform for kids to learn coding to produce professional-looking games. It allows kids to play games with 3D objects. C# is widely used for many projects other than windows applications and this is a powerful language for kids to learn.

C# can be used to construct a variety of different programs and applications, including games, websites, cloud-based services, mobile apps, desktop apps, and enterprise software. C# isn’t particularly simple or kid-friendly, but Unity makes it possible for kids to pick up the language as they create games using the engine.

What is scripting in Unity?

The gameplay is created by the scripts and components that are associated to the GameObjects and how they interact with one another. Scripting instructs our GameObjects on how to behave.

8. Blockly

Age: +8 years;
Level: beginner-level game platform
Compatible with all major browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and IE.

A collection of instructional games called Blockly Games is used to educate programming. It is made for kids who have never programmed a computer before. One is prepared to use traditional text-based languages by the time these games are finished.

Blockly is the best visual block programming language for kids recommended by many experts for kids. Blockly uses a drag-and-drop system to teach kids. Blockly enables the kids to learn fundamentals effectively by eliminating the risks of technical errors. Blockly’s user-friendly interface keeps your child engaged in learning a coding language. Blockly is specially designed with pre-existing coding languages to learn visual block-based programming language.

9. RUBY

Age: +10 years;
Level: beginner-level programing language
Compatible with all major browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and IE.

RUBY is a dynamic, open-source programming language. RUBY is the best platform for kids who are beginners. RUBY is an object-oriented programming language. Ruby is a flexible language since it allows its users to freely alter its parts. Ruby uses a straightforward style to teach the complicated tasks to learn coding without any hurdles. RUBY follows scripting languages like BASIC, Lisp, and Smalltalk. It is an object-oriented programming language for kids that allows the kids to learn fundamentals effectively. It is aligned with the Principle of Least Astonishment (POLA) which helps the student to master a programming language.

Ruby is also completely free. But also free to use, copy, modify, and distribute.

10. Swift Playgrounds

Age: +12 years
Compatibility: iPad and Mac

Swift Playgrounds is an app for iPad and Mac to teach programming languages to kids. It is created by Apple. The Swift Playgrounds app features several basic coding lessons and gamified coding challenges for kids to complete. Swift Playgrounds requires no coding knowledge, so it’s perfect for students just starting out. The interface is tight, clean, and visually pleasing. Swift Playgrounds also comes as an app

Swift playgrounds provide several basic coding lessons and challenges in gamified coding for kids. The visually pleasing unique interface helps the kids to learn complicated tasks. Swift Playgrounds is the best tool to teach kids how to code. Swift remains one of the best coding tools and programming languages for kids.