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.