A Head Start to Coding World:
Hey there, future programmer! Are you ready to dive into the magical world of computers and coding? Let's go on an adventure where you'll learn to speak the secret language that makes computers do all sorts of cool stuff!
What is Programming?
Programming is like giving instructions to a very smart robot or a machine. Suppose you have a friend from Spain and he only understands Spanish, for you guys to communicate with each other you need to understand each other's language. Same way if you want to communicate with a smart robot or machine you need to know their language as well, known as the programming language.
Programming is the process of writing the programming language for the smart robot.
History & Evolution of Robotics and Coding:
Coding and Robotics were started centuries ago, the phones, and laptops that we use are an outcome of innovations done by humans. Let's hurry and start with history & evolution.
Ancient Robots: A long time ago, people made simple machines called automata. These were like the very first robots! They couldn’t think or learn but could do simple things, like moving their arms.
The First Programmer: In the 1800s, a man named Charles Babbage made plans for a special machine, and a woman named Ada Lovelace wrote the first instructions for it. This makes Ada the world's first programmer!
The Journey of Computers
The ENIAC: In the 1940s, a giant machine called ENIAC was built. It was one of the first real computers. People used it to do big math problems. They had to use switches and plugs to tell it what to do!
Early Coding Languages: In the 1950s, people created languages like FORTRAN and COBOL. These languages helped people write instructions for computers more easily.
Robots Come to Life:
First Real Robots: In the 1960s, the first robots that could work in factories were made. One of the first was called Unimate, and it helped build cars by doing the same task over and over again.
Thinking Machines: Around this time, scientists also started thinking about robots that could learn and make decisions, leading to the early ideas of artificial intelligence (AI).
Robots and Computers at Home
Home Computers: In the 1970s and 1980s, computers like the Apple II and IBM PC became popular. Kids and adults started to learn to code at home using languages like BASIC.
Cool Robots and Easy Coding:
Super Robots: Today, robots can do amazing things. They can run, jump, and even help doctors in surgeries! Companies like Boston Dynamics make robots that look like they come from the future.
Easy Coding: Today, learning to code is easier than ever. Platforms like Scratch let you drag and drop blocks to make your own programs, games, and animations.
Smart Robots: Robots now use AI to drive cars, recognize faces, and even play games better than humans!
Why Learning a Programming Language is Awesome
- Be Creative: With programming, you can create your own stories, games, and animations. Your imagination is the only limit!
- Solve Problems: Programming teaches you how to think like a detective. You learn how to break big problems into smaller steps and solve them one by one.
- Build the Future: By learning programming, you can invent new technologies and gadgets. Maybe you’ll create the next big app or an amazing robot!
Programming in Everyday Life
- Smart Devices: Many gadgets you use daily, like tablets, smartwatches, and even microwaves, use programming languages to work.
- Schools and Jobs: Learning to code is like learning a new superpower. It’s useful in school projects and can even lead to cool jobs when you grow up!
Studies have shown that we are leading into the world of automation and AI but to be the star player in AI you need to understand how it works and 80% of the future jobs will be managed by AI and automated. It's better to start early than sitting and chilling.
Where to start coding from?
Imagine Starting with a fun and easy language like Scratch. You can create games, animations, and stories by snapping blocks together. It’s like building with blocks but on your computer!
Using block-based coding you can learn about how the loops, logic and algorithms work. Apart from that you will get to learn about how to structure a code.
One such brand that promotes block-based coding in India is Avishkaar. They have created a platform to learn block-based programming/coding and robotics. All you have to do is register yourself on the website and get free access to their Avishkaar Maker studio. Where you can learn so much about coding.
They also have simulator-based coding available where you can do practical without the need for a Robot.
Now that you have a head start on what is programming and where to begin, let's start your coding journey today.
