New visual language for teaching kids to code
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…
New visual language for teaching kids to code launched on November 21, 2023 with 420 votes, #54 of 4,333 launches that month and more than 99% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 2 years on.
In plain words
Pickcode is a structured code editor and language designed to teach middle and early high school students programming fundamentals. Rather than typing, users select choices from menus to write code, creating a clearer bridge between visual block coding and traditional languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java. The platform includes tutorials for building chatbots, animated drawings, and 2D games, plus introductory courses in both Pickcode and Python. Over 30 free lessons are available with an account.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Pickcode is an online IDE with teacher tools to create lessons and streamline your classroom
You're in control: Pickcode Pro is the best tool for building your own lessons, it's not a premade curriculum. AI-free learning environment: We believe AI coding assistants are a powerful tool for professionals, but beginners should learn the fundamentals first by writing code themselves. There's no AI assistance in Pickcode, and there never will be. Student collaboration: With a Pickcode Pro subscription , teachers can set up group projects where students can collaborate in real time, just like Google Docs. Support: Email the CEO (a former CS teacher) or development team and receive an answer within hours, not weeks. Some of Pickcode's best improvements were suggested by teachers!…from pickcode.io
In the maker’s words, at launch
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…
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Pickcode – A new way to introduce programming to kids2022 · app.pickcode.io · ▲56Hello 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 – An educational coding environment for students after Scratch2022 · pickcode.io · ▲141PickCode 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…
Codecademy.com, the easiest way to learn to code2011 · codecademy.com · ▲787I'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].
Futurecoder – A free interactive Python course for coding beginners2023 · futurecoder.io · ▲371Some 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…
Build with Python – a beginner course where your code draws18d ago · scimigo.com · ▲49Your first Python programs make pictures on a canvas. Learn calls, values, variables, and a loop before adding one click handler.
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