FINLANDIA SCHOOLA Programming Language is a set of special words and rules we use to give instructions to a computer.
It is like the language we use to talk to our friends, but this one is for talking to computers.
Programmers are people who write these instructions. The instructions they write is called a program or code.
Types of Programming Languages
A. Visual-Based Programming Language
This is programming with pictures, not plenty typing.
You build a program by dragging and dropping colorful blocks, just like building with LEGO bricks. Each block is an instruction, like "move forward", "turn", "say hello".
You do not need to type long sentences, so it is very hard to make spelling mistakes.
Examples
1. Scratch - You move a cat character to make games and stories. Very popular in primary schools.
2. Blockly - Used in games like Code.org and Minecraft Education.
3. Kodu Game Lab
Best for: Beginners, children, and making simple games/animations.
B. Text-Based Programming Language
This is programming by typing real words and symbols.
You must type every instruction carefully with a keyboard, following strict spelling and punctuation rules. One small mistake like a missing full stop can stop the whole program.
It is more powerful and is what adults use to build real apps like WhatsApp and YouTube.
Examples:
1. Python - Simple English-like words, used for many things.
2. JavaScript - Used to make websites interactive.
3. Java / C++
Best for: Older students, professionals, and building big applications.
Differences between Visual-Based and Text-Based Programming Languages
Visual-based languages use drag-and-drop blocks and are easy for beginners like us. Text-based languages use typed words and are powerful for building big programs.