Dev tools · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to PickCode – An educational coding environment for students after Scratch
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…
PickCode is an educational coding environment for students transitioning beyond visual block languages like Scratch. It runs on desktop and tablet and lets users create chatbots, visual designs, and 2D games using a… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. PickCode – An educational coding environment for students after Scratch 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

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…
2022 · app.pickcode.io · its alternatives →
- 3
CodenQuest▲282Hello everyone, I've been working on a project called CodenQuest, a coding practice app inspired by platforms like LeetCode, but with a major twist: it's heavily gamified, similar to Duolingo. The main goal is to make coding practice more engaging, especially on mobile. Key Features: - Diverse coding questions with integrated hints and timers. - Code editor with code completion and fill in the blanks questions - Performance statistics (runtime, memory, CPU usage, and more). - Gamified elements: leagues, ranking systems, daily challenges, friends, and streak mechanisms. - Available on iOS and…
2024 · codenquest.com · its alternatives →
- 4

2021 · codingfont.com · its alternatives →
- 5

Learn programming through interactive code visualization
Jun 2026 · scratchcode-two.vercel.app · its alternatives →
- 6
Blocks▲448Hi HN, We just launched Blocks - an AI platform where anyone can build custom work apps and AI agents in minutes, no coding required. We’re seeing a shift in how software is built and used. With AI, software isn’t just about tracking processes anymore - it can actively help people get work done. The problem is that most teams still face 2 options: either buy off-the-shelf tools that never quite fit, or invest a lot of time and money into custom development. Neither works well. Blocks is the third option. It’s an AI-native platform where teams can create apps and AI agents for their workflows…
2025 · blocks.diy · its alternatives →
- 7

- 8
edCode▲161The free, fun, and effective way to learn how to code.
2024 · tortee.my · its alternatives →
- 9

- 10

- 11

Duolingo like app to learn coding 💻📱👨🏻💻
2019 · programminghub.io · its alternatives →
- 12

goboscript is a text-based programming language which compiles to Scratch. It allows you to write Scratch projects in text, and compile it into a .sb3 file - which can be opened in the Scratch editor, TurboWarp or be uploaded to the Scratch website. goboscript allows you to create advanced Scratch projects with ease, you can use any text editor, use a version control system such as git. You can refactor your code using search and replace. Text code can be copy pasted, which allows you to easily reuse code or share it with others. goboscript syntax is concise and easy to read. goboscript…
2025 · github.com · its alternatives →
- 13

Hello, I am a 15-year-old middle school student living in Japan. Learning programming can be challenging for beginners, but block programming makes this learning process easier. In particular, Scratch, developed by the MIT Media Lab, is a wonderful tool that allows intuitive learning using blocks. It is based on Google's Blockly project. I have developed my own block learning assistant using Blockly. With this tool, it's possible to add explanations to existing blocks, customize them, or create new blocks using natural language. It was built using OpenAI, React, and Vite. This project's…
2024 · github.com · its alternatives →
- 14SJ
2020 · hole.dev · its alternatives →
- 15
Programming Hero▲111Personalized, fun, and interactive way to learn programming
2020 · programming-hero.com · its alternatives →
- 16
Codedamn Create▲194Build and sell interactive programming courses
2021 · codedamn.com · its alternatives →
- 17

- 18

- 19WC
2019 · metacode.app · its alternatives →
- 20

- 21

- 22
PictoBlox▲75Coding for kids: Program robots. Make games. Do much more.
2019 · thestempedia.com · its alternatives →
- 23CF
2015 · codepicnic.com · its alternatives →
- 24

Also compare
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 →