AI · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to Pickcode – A new way to introduce programming to kids
Hello HN, I've linked a tutorial from Pickcode, where students are guided through making a chatbot that plays mad libs. Pickcode is designed for introducing programming without block coding, in a way that's closer to Javascript or Python. I made Pickcode based on my frustrations teaching beginners in both block coding and in Python. The link here is to just one lesson, and I have a few more that you can find on the site. I'd love feedback from HNers with kids age 10-13 or so, or HNers who can put on an intro to programming hat. On the roadmap is adding more complex use cases for your…
Pickcode is a programming education platform designed for children ages 10-13 that teaches coding concepts using text-based syntax similar to JavaScript or Python, rather than visual block coding. The platform guides… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Pickcode – A new way to introduce programming to kids launched in 2022; newer entries below may have overtaken it.
- 1
Pickcode is a new language and editor for getting kids started with coding. The code editing experience is totally structured, where you select choices from menus rather than typing. I made Pickcode after experiences teaching kids both block coding (Scratch, App Inventor) and Python. To me, block coding is too far removed from regular coding for kids to make the connection. Pickcode provides a much clearer transition path for students to Python/JS/Java. Our target market is middle/early high school kids, and that’s who we’ve tested the product with during development. On the…
2023 · pickcode.io · its alternatives →
- 2
PickCode is designed for use on desktop and tablet, and supports creating chatbots, visual designs, and 2D games. There is plenty of functionality missing - you can't add media to games for instance, but the current version shows off the foundation of what I'm aiming at. I taught myself to code using MIT's App Inventor, so I have an enormous respect for block based languages like App Inventor, Scratch, Snap!, MakeCode, etc. PickCode is my attempt at adding options for students who want to learn more about programming without making the jump to text, or as an alternative to block coding for…
2022 · pickcode.io · its alternatives →
- 3
I've been a longtime member @ HN, but I haven't been a developer. In fact, my only HN submission has been one asking how to learn to code (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=820741). My cofounder and I decided to solve the problem by making a simple, interactive way to get started with Codecademy. We'd love your feedback. If you're interested in helping us to get more courses up (on any topic!), please send us an email at [email protected].
2011 · codecademy.com · its alternatives →
- 4
Some highlights: - 100% free and open source (https://github.com/alexmojaki/futurecoder), no ads or paid content. - No account required at any point. You can start instantly. (You can create an account if you want to save your progress online and across devices. Your email is only used for password resets) - 3 integrated debuggers can be started with one click to show what your code is doing in different ways. - Enhanced tracebacks make errors easy to understand. - Useful for anyone: You can have the above without having to look at the course. IDE mode…
2023 · futurecoder.io · its alternatives →
- 5
Hey! I’m JC. I’m 17 and part of Hack Club, a nonprofit where we help teenagers ship programming projects with their friends while growing technically. A while ago, I asked myself the question, “How exactly do programming languages work behind the scenes?” It seemed really daunting until I went to a half hour workshop at a high school hackathon about writing a tree-walk interpreter and realized that getting started was actually super fun. This guide is designed in the vein of that - to get people, especially teenagers, started on learning how to build a programming language in a literal…
2024 · easel.hackclub.com · its alternatives →
- 6IM
2015 · acuman.us · its alternatives →
- 7
edCode▲161The free, fun, and effective way to learn how to code.
2024 · tortee.my · its alternatives →
- 8LT
Hey HN - We’ve built a site where you can learn Python, Ruby, and JavaScript in a fun, engaging and interactive way. How is LearnStreet different from other learn-to-code sites you ask? UI/UX: A key aspect of LearnStreet’s courses is its distinct UI/UX. In order to see this, simply sign up! Multi-modal: Our courses are designed for beginners, and we have multiple ways to help you learn, including live chat, Twitter, Q&A, hints, videos and background material. If you don’t know which language you want to pick up, check out our teaser videos in the Courses page!…
2012 · learnstreet.com · its alternatives →
- 9
2016 · upskillcourses.com · its alternatives →
- 10
- 11
Code Kingdoms▲104Learn to code with Minecraft and Roblox. Ages 8-14
2015 · codekingdoms.com · its alternatives →
- 12
100% free and interactive Python course for beginners - alexmojaki/futurecoder
2020 · github.com · its alternatives →
- 13
Looking for feedback on my project to teach python by writing code that interacts with a Minecraft World.
2023 · github.com · its alternatives →
- 14
Duolingo like app to learn coding 💻📱👨🏻💻
2019 · programminghub.io · its alternatives →
- 15TL
2017 · teachcraft.net · its alternatives →
- 16BA
2019 · blockstudio.app · its alternatives →
- 17
- 18
Your first Python programs make pictures on a canvas. Learn calls, values, variables, and a loop before adding one click handler.
19d ago · scimigo.com · its alternatives →
- 19TY
2012 · teachyourselftocode.com · its alternatives →
- 20
Learn to code with tutorials recommended by programmers
2014 · teachyourselftocode.com · its alternatives →
- 21
- 22
- 23
Learn code in a fun, easy way, while playing. Ages 6+
2022 · ubbu.io · its alternatives →
- 24
Learn programming through interactive code visualization
Jun 2026 · scratchcode-two.vercel.app · its alternatives →
Also compare
- New visual language for teaching kids to code alternatives
- PickCode – An educational coding environment for students after Scratch alternatives
- Codecademy.com, the easiest way to learn to code alternatives
- Futurecoder – A free interactive Python course for coding beginners alternatives
- I'm 17 and wrote a guide on how to build your own programming language alternatives
- I'm a 14 year-old dev who has programmed an artificial intelligence bot alternatives
Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →