Jack's Blog

Please note that this content is very old and doesn't necessarily represent my views today. It remains here as an archive of my past - I hope it provides you some entertainment value.

Python vs Scratch

Python vs Scratch #

Python is

an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, exceptions, dynamic typing, very high level dynamic data types, and classes. Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various window systems, and is extensible in C or C++. It is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface. Finally, Python is portable: it runs on many Unix variants, on the Mac, and on PCs under MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and OS/2.

However, with Scratch,

you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in their online community. Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge.

It is obvious that Python is the better programming language. The reasons for this are simple:

  1. It can be used for practical things and not just ‘game programming’
  2. It can do anything that is possible to do with a computer. If it can’t do it alone, look for a library to do it!
  3. It can interact with your computer, whereas Scratch is confined to it’s own enviroment
  4. It’s unbranded. You don’t get a ‘Powered by Python’ watermark unless you want one. With Scratch, your work is branded with the ‘Scratch logo’.

Python is practical for everyday use, and, while it can be difficult to start, it is a brilliant programming language that helps you REALLY program instead of moving blocks around a screen.

Made for the purposes a school essay :o)