Unit 1 Vocabulary

Introduction to Scratch

Scratch

A block-based programming language developed by MIT.

Programming Language

A language used to write instructions for a computer to execute.

Code

A set of instructions written in a programming language.

Block

A piece of code in Scratch that performs a specific action. Blocks snap together to create a program.

Program

A collection of code that performs a specific task when run.

Also known as an application, software, or app.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. In programming, an algorithm is a set of instructions that a computer can follow to achieve a desired outcome.

A recipe is a classic non-computer example of an algorithm. Follow the steps carefully to bake cookies.

Sequencing

The process of arranging code in a specific order to achieve a desired outcome.

Bug

A mistake or error in a program that causes it to behave unexpectedly.

Debugging

The process of finding and fixing bugs in a program.

Event

An action or occurrence that a program can respond to, such as a user clicking a button or a timer going off.

Sprite

A character or object in a Scratch project that can be programmed to have some behavior.

Costume

The appearance of a sprite in a Scratch project. A sprite can have multiple costumes that it can switch between.

Stage

The background area where sprites perform their actions in a Scratch project.

Backdrop

The background image of the Stage in a Scratch project.