Scratch Coding Terms

level

A challenge to complete in a computer game.

Scratch

A computer language designed especially to teach beginners about coding.

pixelate

A graphic effect which breaks up a picture into large coloured dots.

internet

A huge network which allows computers around the world to communicate with each other.

computer language

A language designed for computers, with a set word list and syntax; Scratch is one example.

drop-down-menu

A list of options which appears when you click.

menu

A list of options.

nested loop

A loop inside a loop.

computer

A machine designed to follow instructions and process data; this is sometimes described as taking input and turning it into results or output.

ellipse

A round or oval shape.

loop

A section of code which repeats.

animation

A series of images shown one after another, to make it look as if things are moving.

file

A set of information save on a computer. Different types of files have different letters or file extensions at the end.

program

A set of instructions in computer language, which tells a computer what to do.

font

A style of lettering.

binary

A system of counting with 1s and 0s, used by all computers.

flow chart

A type of diagram which can be used to plan each step of a program.

infinite scroller

A type of game which carries on until the player makes a mistake.

byte

A unit used to measure amounts of computer data.

coordinates

A way of dividing an area into a grid and measuring distances, so you can find things by how far left/right (x coordinate) and up/down (y coordinate) they are.

layers

A way of dividing pictures so that some parts appear in front of others.

folder

A way of grouping together different computer files when you save them.

list

A way of organising any number of pieces of information for a computer.

Boolean logic

A way of working things out, used by all computers, which involves breaking decisions down into simple yes/no questions.

logging in

Accessing a computer account by entering a username and password.

bug

An error in code which stops a program from running properly.

clone

An identical copy. In Scratch, it means a copy of a sprite.

BPM

Beats per minute, used to measure the tempo of music.

duplicate

Create an identical copy.

graphic effects / special effects

Effects which change the appearance of a picture.

debugging

Fixing code to remove errors or bugs.

My Stuff

If you have a Scratch account, this is where your projects will be saved.

More Blocks menu

In Scratch, a block menu which allows you to create your own custom blocks.

reporter block

In Scratch, a block used inside another block, and which contains a value (such as a variable or a string) which it then 'reports' to the block around it.

cap block

In Scratch, a block which finishes or 'caps' a script; these blocks can't have another block added below.

C-block

In Scratch, a block which wraps around other blocks to forma C-shape, such as loops and if... blocks. The shape helps to control syntax and make the structure clear.

block menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks of a particular kind, such as Motion (movement) or Looks (appearance).

Operators menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used for doing mathematics and setting out conditions with Boolean logic.

Pen menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used for drawing with sprites.

Event menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used for starting and stopping scripts.

Looks menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used to change how things appear on the stage.

Control menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used to control other blocks or scripts.

Data menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used to deal with variables and lists.

Motion menu

In Scratch, a group of blocks used to move sprites around the stage.

backdrop library

In Scratch, a list of available backdrops.

remix

In Scratch, a new version of a project, in which the code has been altered.

Boolean block

In Scratch, a reporter block with only two options: true/yes or false/no.

painting tools

In Scratch, a set of tools which allow you to create your own sprites and backdrops.

custom block

In Scratch, a single block which can contain a whole set of others. You can make your own custom blocks in the More Blocks menu.

block

In Scratch, a unit of code which can be put together with other blocks to make a script.

costumes

In Scratch, different versions of the same sprite.

Extension

In Scratch, extra blocks which can be added to control certain electronic toys.

broadcasting

In Scratch, sending a message from one part of the code to another.

green flag button

In Scratch, starts all scripts with a 'when green flag clicked' start block.

Microphone icon

In Scratch, the button which allows you to record sounds.

paintbrush icon

In Scratch, the button which brings up the painting tools.

landscape icon

In Scratch, the button which opens the Backdrop library.

backdrop

In Scratch, the picture in the background of the stage.

rotation style

In Scratch, the way a sprite turns around if it reaches the edge of the stage.

start blocks / hat blocks

In Scratch, these activate all the blocks attached underneath them.

red button

In Scratch, this stops all scripts.

if/else

In computing, a conditional instruction which tells the computer what to do in two situations.

if/then

In computing, a conditional instruction which tells the computer what to do in two situations.

palette

In computing, a display of available options (usually colours).

routine

In computing, a named, reusable section of code; in Scratch, this is done by custom blocks.

constant

In computing, a piece of data which is fixed (the opposite of a variable).

icon

In computing, a small picture which represents something, such as a file or a set of controls.

bitmap

In computing, an image made up of individual dots of colour or pixels. In Scratch, a painting mode which lets you draw pixel by pixel.

repeat forever

In computing, an instruction which makes a section of code repeat endlessly. In Scratch, this is done by a C-block.

repeat until

In computing, an instruction which makes a section of code repeat until a certain condition is met. In Scratch, this is done by a C-block with a conditional.

messaging

In computing, sending information between different parts of a program; in Scratch, this is done by broadcasting.

condition

In computing, something which a computer must consider before making a decision. In Scratch, conditions are set by Boolean blocks.

drag

In computing, to move an item while holding down a mouse button. In racing, a force which slows things down.

input

Information or instructions which you put into a computer.

data

Information used by a computer. Any data that might change must be labelled -- usually by creating variables of lists. A piece of data that does not change is sometimes described as a constant.

keywords

Instruction words with a fixed, precise meaning for the computer, such as 'move' or 'play'.

conditionals

Instructions which tell the computer to react differently to different conditions, such as 'if' or 'repeat until'.

code

Instructions written in computer language, telling a computer what to do.

megabyte (MB)

Just over on million bytes (1,048,576) bytes.

random

Not decided by a pattern or system, so it's impossible to predict.

backpack

Part of a a Scratch account where you can store sprites, backdrops and scripts to use later.

click

Selecting something by clicking the mouse button (always the left mouse button, unless it says 'right click').

mouse-pointer

The arrow you see on screen, which is controlled by moving the mouse.

computer logic

The basic rules which all computers follow.

pixels

The coloured dots which make up the picture on a screen.

cursor

The flashing line which shows where your typing will appear on-screen. Also sometimes used as another name for the mouse-pointer.

output

The results you get from a computer.

file extension

The set of letters after the dot in a file name, which tells the computer what kind of information is in the file. For example, .jpg is an image and .wav is a sound.

double-click

To click the left mouse button twice.

right-click

To click the right-hand mouse button.

delete

To remove something from the computer's memory.

download

To save something from a website onto a computer.

run

To set a program or script going.

save

To store computer files so you can use them again later. With Scratch, you can do this online in your Scratch account or offline on your computer.

clear

To wipe clean or delete something, usually from the screen.

cropping

Trimming the edges of a picture.

file name

What you call a file when you save it on a computer.

offline

When a computer is NOT connected to the internet.

online

When a computer is connected to the internet.

coding

Writing instructions for a computer.