#text based programming

[vivekpandeyy1]

Building Your Programming Playground: Block-Based vs. Text-Based Coding

The world of coding can seem intimidating at first. Lines of cryptic symbols flash across screens, and complex jargon fills online forums. But don’t worry! There are two main approaches to learning how to code, and each caters to different needs and learning styles. Today, we’ll delve into the exciting worlds of block-based programming and text-based coding, helping you decide which path is right for your coding journey.

Imagine constructing a program by snapping together colorful building blocks. That’s the essence of block-based programming. This method uses visual interfaces where pre-written code snippets appear as blocks. You simply drag and drop these blocks to create a sequence of instructions, building your program like a digital Lego set.

Benefits of Block-Based Programming:

Easy to Learn: With no need to memorize complex syntax (the rules of a programming language), block-based programming lowers the barrier to entry for beginners. It’s perfect for children, those new to coding, or anyone who prefers a visual approach.

Reduced Errors: Because blocks snap together logically, syntax errors �� a common problem in text-based coding — are virtually eliminated. This allows you to focus on the core programming concepts and experiment freely.

Intuitive for Visual Thinkers: The drag-and-drop interface caters to visual learners who grasp concepts better when presented with pictures and shapes. It simplifies the process of visualizing the flow of your program.

Engaging and Fun: The colorful and playful nature of block-based programming makes learning enjoyable. This is especially important for sparking young minds’ interest in coding from a young age.

Limited Complexity: While great for beginners, block-based platforms may not offer the same level of complexity as text-based coding. This can restrict the types of programs you can build as your skills advance.

Hidden Code: Often, the underlying text-based code remains hidden behind the blocks. This limits your understanding of how the program actually works at a deeper level.

Transitioning to Text-Based Coding: As you progress, transitioning to text-based coding can feel like starting over. While many concepts translate, the lack of familiarity with syntax might require additional learning.

Popular Block-Based Programming Platforms:

Scratch: Developed by MIT, Scratch is a fantastic platform for beginners. It features a user-friendly interface with colorful blocks and engaging tutorials. It’s a great starting point, especially for kids.

Code.org: This platform offers a gamified approach to learning coding fundamentals through interactive challenges and puzzles. It utilizes block-based coding to make coding accessible and engaging.

Tinkercad: This platform focuses on coding for electronics and robotics. It employs a block-based interface to program virtual circuits and simulate how they interact, helping users understand the practical applications of coding in real-world scenarios.

Text-based coding is the traditional method of programming where you write lines of code using a specific programming language. Each language has its own syntax, a set of rules for structuring your commands. While it may seem challenging at first, mastering text-based coding unlocks a vast universe of possibilities.

Benefits of Text-Based Coding:

Greater Flexibility and Control: Text-based coding offers more fine-grained control over your program, allowing you to create complex algorithms and functionalities. It empowers you to tailor your code to specific needs.

Direct Interaction: You can directly interact with the underlying workings of your code, understanding how each line contributes to the program’s behavior. This transparency fosters deeper learning and problem-solving skills.

Wide Range of Applications: Virtually all professional software development utilizes text-based coding. By mastering this approach, you equip yourself with the skills necessary to build websites, mobile apps, games, and much more.

Portable Skills: Once you understand the fundamental concepts of text-based coding, transitioning between different programming languages becomes easier. The core principles are transferable, giving you a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Steeper Learning Curve: Text-based coding with syntax rules and error messages requires more initial effort to learn compared to block-based programming. It takes dedication and practice to develop the necessary skills.

Syntax Errors: Dealing with syntax errors — mistakes in the code’s structure — can be frustrating for beginners. It requires patience and logical thinking to debug and fix these errors.

Less Intuitive for Visual Learners: Some people might find the text-based approach less intuitive than the visual appeal of block-based programming. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it might necessitate additional learning strategies.

[sacredfixation]

Loki and the Deeply Valid Fear of Being a Government-Issued Android Without Knowing It

Imagine living for over a thousand years, committing intergalactic crimes, then one random underpaid TVA clerk with a monotone voice suddenly introduces the possibility that, oh, by the way, what if you were secretly a robot this whole time? And Loki, who has always carried himself with the absolute certainty of a god, pauses. Like. “Wait. What if I am?”

He hears that question and immediately does a full mental diagnostic. Have I ever glitched? Ever felt oddly mechanical? Experienced an unusual fondness for oil? Maybe he’s too good at lying. Too good at surviving. What if that’s just the programming?

The TVA worker just moves on. He doesn’t elaborate. no reassurances. theres no safety net. Just the terrifying possibility that he might get instantly vaporized for something completely outside his control.

Id like to note, his hesitation isn’t even just some random existential crisis, it’s trauma-informed. This man already lived through the experience of waking up one day and realizing he wasn’t who he thought he was.

He grew up thinking he was a prince, a god, Odin’s rightful son, only to find out he was actually a stolen relic of war. A Jotun. A creature he’d been taught to hate.

He thought he knew himself before, and he was wrong. What if he’s wrong again? What if theres something else about himself thats been hidden? If he didn’t realize he was a Frost Giant, whats stopping him from not realizing he’s actually some highly advanced synthetic being?

It’s not just a funny existential gag, it’s a callback to one of the most devastating truths of Loki’s existence:

He has never really known who he is.

It’s the muscle memory of having his entire identity ripped out from under him. It’s the learned fear of asking, What am I, actually?

Because the last time he asked that question, the answer ruined him.

[8g-soymilk]

little ASCII egg for @quezify's eggtober :)

[clodcakes]

Had something planned for Halloween but the sickness took me instead so, more pieces of a bigger project 🤲

[gimmick-blog-bracket]

oh no

[ultravioart]

Sometimes I think about how ahead of its time LittleBigPlanet was. Not only was it an accessible "easy to learn, hard to master" game creation tool, one that was family friendly and any age could get into, it allowed up to four people at once collaborate and create a level together in REAL TIME. It was so inspiring. You could create art and animation and music and node-based coding and level design all in the same instance, it was truely a virtual playground. And knowing you could work on one part of the level while friends chipped away at other parts made projects much less daunting.

What I wouldn't give to have a real time 3d creation tool on pc... imagine Google Docs collab but it's... blender. Or unity. Sniffle.

[uncanny-tranny]

I think when people conceptualize pain and disability, what they think of is something like this:

It's conceptualized as something you are cured from, that pain can be only temporary, and you will one day "get better."

In reality, it's something more like this:

Pain is often non-linear in nature. When you see somebody in low-pain days, weeks, or perhaps longer, that doesn't mean that they have "healed." Not all pain is curable, and the idea that it is is only hurting people who experience pain. Yes, it is uncomfortable to imagine that we might not be able to heal, that we might, in fact, become disabled by pain that will never heal. But running from this possibility is not the solution.

[magentasnoodle]

please not again

[foldmorepaper]

[britneyshakespeare]

you know what i also always used to think polar seltzer must've just been the biggest seltzer brand in the world, bc really what do i know about the world of seltzer? what IS there to know about it? i knew when i was a very young girl that my nana drank polar seltzer and that it was fizzy water. i looked it up yesterday and they're based in worcester, massachusetts

[tumblmon]

I made some big steps forward with Cassette Beasts Card Game today and god it feels good. 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[borbzaby]

I am learning python and am wondering if anyone could let me know of any classic games I could program to get used to coding more complicated projects. Right now I am doing Snake but repost and let me know of what else there is

[scionshtola]

something fun about my corishtola AUs is that bc they don’t have the half decade of friendship for shtola to come to terms with being in love, she always tries to be like this is just casual :) and every time. she’s wrong 😌

[punk-pins]

tumblr live update on mobile: it now has the option to snooze the live streams at the top of the dashboard for 30 days, but the video icon for the tumblr live tab in the middle of the footer can’t be disabled at all :/

[vivekpandeyy1]

Block-Based vs. Text-Based Coding: Choosing the Right Path for Young Coders

Coding has become a fundamental skill for students in the evolving education landscape. As technology increasingly influences our world, understanding programming languages is becoming essential. For young learners, the journey into coding often begins with two primary approaches: block-based coding and text-based coding.

Each option offers distinct advantages tailored for different learning stages. This guide delves into the differences between these coding styles, highlighting their advantages and roles in robotics education.

Understanding Block-Based Coding

Block-based coding is a visual programming language that uses graphical blocks to represent code concepts. Platforms like Scratch and Blockly are popular examples of how users can drag and drop blocks to create programs.

Advantages of Block-Based Coding:

User-Friendly Interface: The drag-and-drop mechanism eliminates the need to memorise complex syntax, making it accessible for beginners.

Immediate Feedback: Students can immediately view the results of their code, creating an engaging and hands-on learning experience.

Promotes Logical Thinking: Even without writing traditional code, students grasp fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and sequencing.

Engaging for Young Learners: The visual nature and interactive elements keep students motivated and interested in coding.

Ideal For: Beginners, especially younger students, are just starting their coding journey.

Exploring Text-Based Coding

Text-based coding involves writing code using Python, JavaScript, or C++ programming languages. This approach requires understanding syntax and structure and offers a deeper dive into programming.

Advantages of Text-Based Coding:

Comprehensive Understanding: Learners gain a solid grasp of programming fundamentals, including syntax, data types, and algorithms.

Greater Flexibility: Text-based coding allows for the creation of more complex and customised programs.

Industry Relevance: Language proficiency in Python or JavaScript is highly valued in various tech industries.

Preparation for Advanced Topics: Students are better equipped to tackle advanced subjects like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.

Ideal For: Students with a foundational understanding of coding are ready to explore more complex concepts.

Integrating Coding with Robotics Education

Robotics classes offer students an excellent platform for applying coding skills in real-world scenarios. These classes often incorporate block-based and text-based coding to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Benefits of Robotics Education:

Hands-On Learning: Students build and program robots, applying coding concepts in tangible projects.

Encourages Problem-Solving: Designing and troubleshooting robots fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Collaborative Environment: Teamwork promotes communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Exposure to STEM Fields: Robotics education introduces students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, opening doors to future career opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing between block-based and text-based coding depends on the student's age, experience level, and learning goals. Block-based coding is an excellent programming introduction, providing a user-friendly interface that encourages exploration and creativity. As students advance, transitioning to text-based coding offers deeper insights into programming, preparing them for more complex challenges and opportunities in the tech world.

At Technobotics, this integration is at the core of their teaching approach, combining hands-on robotics projects with both block-based and text-based programming to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

[codingwheneveriwant]

Adding minimal UI

This is an update to my previous posts in which, I used python to turn images such as pngs and jpgs into ASCII representations. After I had finished creating and polishing the main system, I decided to add a small amount of UI just to say that I had fully finished the project and made it usable to someone who might not wants to go through the trial of finding out how to change the image, by changing the code. I also wanted it to be faster and more fool-proof so that I don't run into problems while showing someone and put myself in an awkward situation where I'm fixing it while showing it off.

The UI I added was pretty simple and purely text-based, as I already know how to do this and don't want to create more potential bugs, which would be opposite of my aim.

The first thing I did was add a system to choose exactly which image to transfer, this would just be the images I have already added and tested. Such as the Miles Teller image. I used numbers so that people can choose the options with little confusion, also adding an error message if someone types something other than the pre-set options.

The next thing I added was an option to compress or not, so that the user has full control. I used y or n options this, just for simplicity.

One thing I noticed while testing was that if you save images from discord, they have an alpha value as well as rgb. This messes up this line of code: "r, g, b = pixel" which unpacks the rgb values from the pixel array, but with the added alpha value, it returns and error as not all of the values in the array are accounted for. To fix this, I literally just added an if statement that, if the image is from discord, instead of using the previously shown line of code, it does "r, g, b, x = pixel" the x is never used, but its just an easy way to remove the error.