A Comparison of Block-Based Programming Platforms for Learning Programming and Creating Simple Application

Among the several programming paradigms, block-based visual programming has become widespread in recent years. Visual programming language is any programming language which enables developers to design programs graphically, manipulating rather than by textually defining program elements. Since the first attempts in the 1970s, visual programming has come a long way, but it still has an aura of promises that had not been accomplished. Block-based programming avoid the occurrence of syntactic errors. In the current literatures, there have not much empirical evidence showing and revealing the usage and utilization of the available block-based programming platforms and how these platforms would offer programming environment that able to engage, motivate and provide satisfaction to novice learners. Thus, it is significant to analyze the block-based programming approach to determine the most effective block-based solutions. Thus, a suggestion on the most effective block-based programming platform(s) that enables novice learners to develop applications easily can be made. This paper provides a comparison among different block-based programming platforms that are currently available, in identifying those that support effective learning in programming as well as providing ability to speed up the process of writing codes.