scratch

Scratch is a term with multiple meanings, including a mark or scratch on a surface and, in educational contexts, a block-based programming language and online community developed by the MIT Media Lab. The Scratch programming environment is designed to make it easier for beginners, especially children, to learn fundamental concepts of computation and problem solving.

Scratch is a visual programming language that uses draggable code blocks to create programs. Instead of writing text-based code, users snap together blocks that represent commands, control structures, events, and data. This approach lowers syntax barriers and emphasizes concepts such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, and events. Scratch projects can run in a web browser or offline editor and typically involve characters called sprites, backdrops, sounds, and simple animations.

The Scratch platform has undergone several major versions. It originated in the mid-2000s at MIT, with Scratch 1.0 released in 2007, Scratch 2.0 in 2013, and Scratch 3.0 in 2019. The current versions emphasize accessibility across devices and use modern web technologies, with Scratch 3.0 running in HTML5 and JavaScript. The interface presents a stage where projects are animated and a palette of blocks that users assemble to form scripts. The Scratch Community allows users to share projects, remix others’ work, and view projects created by people around the world, supporting a collaborative learning environment.

Scratch is widely used in education to introduce programming concepts, foster digital literacy, and encourage creative expression. While highly approachable, it is generally viewed as a stepping stone to more text-based programming rather than a complete replacement.