What is Scratch? (2024)

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope

Scratch may refer to any of the following:

What is Scratch? (1)

1. Scratch is a free programming language developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) that makes it easy to create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art, and share your creations on the web. Scratch can run in a modern web browser or be downloaded as an app.

Tip

Scratch does not run on Internet Explorer or any smartphone.

How to program in Scratch

To program in Scratch, the user drags coding blocks from the code edge of the window into the program overview section. For example, when starting a new Scratch program, a sprite (image) of a cat is created that can be programmed to move, talk, or do something else. This cat can also be replaced with any other image or made into a game or program.

Example of a Scratch program

For example, if we wanted Scratchy the cat to meow and say hello, we could start by dragging an event into the program. For example, we could drag the "when this sprite clicked" Event over that triggers any time Scratchy is clicked. Next, we could go into the Sound and drag over "play sound Meow until done" and attach it below the Event. Now, if you click Scratchy, it would play the meow sound. Finally, we could go into Looks and drag over "say Hello! for 2 seconds" under the sound. Now, if you click Scratchy, it plays the meow sound and then display a "Hello!" text bubble.

2. Scratch describes a temporary file or location in memory storage that a computer uses as a place to store data. See our scratch space definition for further information.

3. Scratch is used as a synonym for delete (e.g., "scratch a file" is the same as saying "delete a file").

4. Scratch describes a scuff, nick, or another mark found on a surface of an object. For example, over time a CD (compact disc) or DVD (digital versatile disc) may get scratches on it over time.

Memory terms, Programming terms, Say, Software terms

What is Scratch? (2024)

FAQs

What is Scratch used for? ›

Scratch is a visual programming language that allows students to create their own interactive stories, games and animations. As students design Scratch projects, they learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.

Is Scratch kid friendly? ›

What is the age range for Scratch? Scratch is designed especially for young people ages 8 to 16, but people of all ages create and share with Scratch. Younger children may want to try ScratchJr, a simplified version of Scratch designed for ages 5 to 7.

Is Scratch good or bad? ›

scratch is a good coding website, but get this, the moderation is absolutely horrible. for example, many people get mass-reported and banned for no reason, likewise my account, Iamdudeboy, which got banned for self injury when i had just gotten off it.

Why is Scratch called Scratch? ›

Scratch takes its name from a technique used by disk jockeys called "scratching", where vinyl records are clipped together and manipulated on a turntable to produce different sound effects and music.

Why is Scratch blocked in school? ›

It could also be a case of school districts thinking that Scratch contains too much content that they'd deem inappropriate for use for schools or that this platform gives too much freedom for people to facilitate posting inappropriate content; there were multiple reports from school districts and parents regarding the ...

Why do schools use Scratch? ›

Teachers can use Scratch to teach students coding concepts and elements of computational thinking. Once students are proficient in using it, Scratch can become another tool for demonstrating learning in other content areas.

What are the cons of Scratch? ›

Disadvantages of learning Scratch programming:
  • Scratch is a visual block-based programming language that doesn't provide any progression to text-based programming languages. So if your kids wants to learn any text-based programming language, then Scratch is not the best option.
  • No advanced features are available.
Jan 16, 2023

Is Scratch coding free? ›

Yes! Scratch is available free of charge.

Is Scratch a 3D game? ›

Although Scratch is primarily used for 2D projects, it is also possible to create 3D games using Scratch.

Is Scratch addictive? ›

The problem with Scratch is that it's starting to become more like other social medias, being more addictive by teasing you with notifications when just one person comments on your project. That's not good for the mental health of the people who use Scratch (which are made up of a lot of children).

Are furries allowed on Scratch? ›

Scratch's belief system is based on the idea of acceptance to all, so it would be extremely out of character for Scratch to ban or restrict furries, which they don't.

Why is Scratch so famous? ›

One of the most popular things to do with Scratch Programming is learn to create games! Scratch comes with a built-in library of sprites and backgrounds, so it's easy to make games without having to create your own graphics.

Is Scratch a male or female? ›

According to ceebee, a famous Scratch Team user, the Scratch Cat is non-binary which means they aren't male or female. Many users, including some Scratch Team members, still use male pronouns for them.

What gender is Scratch? ›

According to Scratch Team member ceebee, the Scratch Cat is nonbinary, meaning that the cat does not identify as strictly male or female in terms of gender.

How do you get unblocked on Scratch? ›

In the case of a permanent ban, the user needs to contact the official Scratch team and raise the issue. It is up to the Scratch team to unban the user or not. Sometimes a user can be a minor. The Scratch team will contact the user's guardian to submit an appeal for the user to be unbanned.

Is Scratch used professionally? ›

Professional software developers, highly unlikely to never. Scratch is designed as an educational tool, not as a programming language for production code.

Why is Scratch good for coding? ›

Scratch eliminates that need and allows kids to focus on conceptualising, building, designing and sharing their creations with friends. It is an ideal platform for kids to develop programmatic thinking which they can later use as a springboard to launch into a career of high-level coding.

How is snap different from Scratch? ›

The most important features that Snap! offers, but Scratch does not, include: Expressions using anonymous functions, represented by a block inside a gray ring, having one or more empty slot(s)/argument(s) that are filled by a "higher order function" (the one that is calling the anonymous one).

How does Scratch work? ›

Scratch uses block coding. Block coding turns programming into a drag-and-drop process by converting text-based code into visual blocks. Each block performs a different task, similar to a function in code languages. To write a program, kids combine blocks to create animations and games.

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