Programming Languages

As we dive into different programming languages in this post, I thought I should start off by attaching the link to my first program made with Scratch. 

Link for my scratch program: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/318468044

When I first went to Scratch to build my program I was pretty intimidated to be honest. There were so many options, tools, and buttons it was pretty overwhelming. After watching a video or two on how the program works and getting some ideas and inspiration, I was able to create my own little program. Being able to utilize programs like Scratch is very helpful to me because it allows me to practice, be creative, and learn all at the same time.

As previously stated, Scratch is overwhelming at first. There are endless tools and options you can choose from, making the possibilities virtually endless. At first I did not even know where to start. After learning how to develop motion, create backgrounds and interact with the program, it became a much more enjoyable experience. It wasn’t so scary anymore and become more about what I could create and not the obstacles I had to overcome. The tutorial on the Scratch website were so helpful in showing exactly what each block is for and how to utilize it correctly. Not only that but they have so many tutorial on all different kinds of programs you can create using Scratch, which I think is very useful. I feel like this is an excellent first assignment, because it gives you a taste of the amount of work and detail that goes into program, without it being too completely overwhelming. This program still simplifies the programming process enough to where you can get the feel for it, and just really have fun, instead of jumping during into the complex and intricate world of programming.

In my opinion the activity completed through Scratch was a more interesting activity, simply because it let you be creative. The activities throughout the textbook are much more literal and logical than Scratch. In a way, Scratch does all the “messy work” for you, and simplifies all the programming into blocks that you can drag and drop and use to create whatever you want. On the other hand, the activities in the textbook take you on a behind the scenes look at the “messy work” and shows the foundation of what all these “simplified” or “fun” programs are based upon. These activities show you the basic differences in computer languages, such as machine language, assembly language, and high-level language. Machine language is exactly what it sounds like. It is simply a series of numbers, or binary code that directly correlates to the machine what action to take. This is the only form of communication that computers have and the only form of information they are able to read. Other languages, such as assembly language and higher-level language, are written, and then broken down to machine language by programs known as assemblers. Assembly language is a simpler form of binary code that is used to break down inputs in order to tell the computer or device what action to take. High-level code such as python is the simplest code to write and is mainly used in developing programs, apps, software and things of that nature. More simplified code is used for even the most basic of computer action, all the way up to the most complex. I believe that higher-level language would be the easiest to use.

This computer language is the most similar to everyday writing, I think it is easier to understand and remember. Memorizing the same two numbers in different orders seems way more challenging than standard written words that we use in our everyday lives.

Today, assembly language is mainly used when dealing directly with hardware or processor. High-level languages have the capability to cross computer platforms, making them ideal for creating software and applications for multiple operating systems. Machine language is still the basic form of communication for every computer and though it is not as common for people to use direct machine language is today’s world, all computer languages we use today are translated into machine language. This day in age, I would have to say that high-level language is the most popular. With all the different apps, devices, and operating systems we have in the world, it is almost necessary to have a language that can span across many operating systems in order to deliver the same product to everyone. Take any applications you frequently use, whether it’s Facebook, Netflix, or Youtube, you can access those applications from Mac OS, IOS, Android, Microsoft, on an Amazon Firestick, a Roku, an Xbox, a smartphone or just simply your computer at home.