Events Blocks in Scratch: Scratch is a visual block-based programming language with a drag-and-drop interface, which means the codes are in the form of blocks and all you have to do is drag and drop them and arrange them strategically to create your projects. It is a simple language created by MIT labs. Scratch is free and can be accessed using a web browser or by downloading the app. Scratch is designed for children as an educational tool. It enables children to produce interactive narratives, animations, games, music, and visual art.
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This is Chapter 4.4 in the
Scratch Tutorial for Beginners
What Are The Events Blocks In Scratch Programming?
Events are one of the ten block categories in Scratch and it is one of the most important sets of blocks. Events blocks are used to define the triggers when the script should run. All the other blocks will have no meaning till an event block is used to define when a script is to be run. These blocks are yellow in colour and are essentially used to run a script, making them important in any Scratch project.
There are a total of eight event blocks; six hat blocks and two stack blocks. Hat blocks are blocks that start a script when a specific event occurs, and stack blocks are rectangular-shaped blocks that are shaped to fit above and below other blocks. In Scratch 1.4, the event blocks were included under control blocks, and in Scratch 2.0 they were called “triggers”. The name was changed to events blocks on Scratch Day 2012.
Let’s look at some of the popular events blocks;
When the Green Flag Clicked Events Block
When this event block is put on top of a function, it will enable the script to run whenever the green flag is clicked. The green flag is located on the top left side, above the stage area. Without this block, the only way you can run your script is manually, meaning you will have to press a particular key or click on the sprite.
When the X Key is Pressed Events Block
Any script that is placed under this block will be activated when the specified key is pressed.
When the Backdrop Switches to Events Block
Scripts that are under this events block will be triggered when the specified backdrop is switched on the stage.
Broadcast Message and Wait Events Block
This event block will send a broadcast message through the Scratch project.
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FAQs on Events Blocks in Scratch
What is an event block on Scratch?
Events blocks are used to define the triggers when the script should run. All the other blocks will have no meaning till an event block is used to define when a script is to be run. These blocks are yellow in colour and are essentially used to run a script, making them important in any Scratch project.
What is the number of hat event blocks in Scratch?
There are a total of eight event blocks; six hat blocks and two stack blocks.
What are the types of blocks in Scratch?
There are a total of nine types of blocks in Scratch that represent different functions in the Scratch project. These blocks are motion, looks, sound, events, control, sensing, operators, variables, and lastly, my blocks.
What is the use of the events block in Scratch?
Events are one of the ten block categories in Scratch and it is one of the most important sets of blocks. Events blocks are used to define the triggers when the script should run. All the other blocks will have no meaning till an event block is used to define when a script is to be run.
What is the colour code of the event block command menu?
Events blocks are yellow in colour and are essentially used to run a script, making them important in any Scratch project.
In conclusion, Scratch games are universally played and loved by millions of people, not only programmers. One of the many reasons for its popularity is the drag-and-drop interface which makes it easier for children or any beginner to understand the basics of coding before moving to a more complex text-based programming language.
