Scratch

1.4

Software information

License:

Freeware (Free)


Updated:

01 Oct 2012


Publisher:

MIT Media Lab

Website:

http://scratch.mit.edu

Software Screenshots

Size: 31.02 MB


Downloads: 4726


Platform: Windows (All Versions)

Review by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 01 Oct 2012

Developed by the MIT Media Lab Lifelong Kindergarten Group with learning and education in mind, the Scratch programming language can be used by youngsters to learn how to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. A Scratch project can be an animation, a game, music, or an interactive story. No matter what the young user chooses to create, one thing remains the same: Scratch is very easy to use.

You will be able to use the application on several platforms. Scratch is available for Apple’s Mac OS X (from Tiger onward), for Microsoft’s Windows operating system (from Windows 2000 onward), and Debian/Ubuntu (compatible with Ubuntu 12.04 when backports are enabled). Focusing on Windows alone, it must be mentioned that installing Scratch is a simple and effortless process. Just download an executable, run it, and follow the instructions presented by a setup wizard.

As it is meant for young users, Scratch’s interface is very easy to figure out. There are three main panes on the interface. The one to the left displays the controls, operators, motions, and variables you could use. The one in the middle lets you piece together motions, controls, and lets you pick costumes and sounds. Finally, the pane to the right displays a preview of the project you’re working on.

Using Scratch entails selecting the sprites you want to use, choosing the motions and controls you want and putting them together, and selecting the music you want to play in the background. By using it, you can come up with interactive stories, games, music, and art. Several examples are included with the Scratch application; load them to get a clear picture of what can be achieved with the application. To get an even clearer picture, visit Scratch’s official webpage to view tons of projects shared by Scratch users all over the world. Yes, uploading and sharing projects is one of the features Scratch has to offer.

Scratch is a free application. It is meant to be used by 8 to 16-year-olds.

By letting young users easily create various projects, the Scratch educational tool encourages them to be creative and gets them to reason systematically.

Pros

Scratch is available for multiple operating systems. The application’s interface is user friendly. Use it to come up with a project, then upload and share the project. Scratch can be used to come up with interactive stories, games, music, and art. Extensive language support. Scratch is freeware.

Cons

None that I could think of.

Scratch
1.4

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Scratch Awards


Scratch Editor’s Review Rating

Scratch has been reviewed by George Norman on 01 Oct 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated Scratch 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential

5

out of 5