Top 10 Best kids Coding Languages to Learn in 2024

As the world becomes increasingly digital, coding has become an essential skill for children to learn.

Learning to code does not only teach kids valuable problem-solving skills, but it also prepares them for a future that is undoubtedly involved in technology in all capacities.

We have a list of the best kids coding languages to learn currently which will benefit the choices we make as parents for our kids.

According to StarkOverflow’s 202 survey on kids in coding, they came up with data that shows the ages of kids in the development world. That over 60% of the full-stack developers started their coding journey before they turn age 19.

This implies that they must have secured a good job before turning adults.

In addition, CodeAnt has a good number of kids who have graduated with an innovative mindset. They even go ahead in their school to challenge the brightest pupil and students.

We did some great research on the best kids coding languages suitable for your kids to begin with. Be sure to get the best whenever we say ‘the best’.

Why Coding For My Kids?

Enrolling your child in a coding class can be a great way to develop communication and team-building skills. In addition, having great communication skills enables children to navigate social environments, collaborate with others, perform well academically, and achieve their goals.

So, this alone is worth sending your children on a coding bootcamp.

Is it Hard To Learn Coding?

No, coding is not hard to learn. The truth is that it is not difficult to learn to code. However, learning something for the first time can be challenging at first.

Over time, with a little patience, practice, and determination, anyone can master the art of programming. When it comes to learning to code, practice makes perfect.

Also, learning coding on your own can take longer time than when you have an instructor or enroll in a coding boot camp.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Coding?

It will take an average of three to six months to learn coding. But if you’re learning programming as part of a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related major, it will take you about four years to complete the degree.

How hard is it to learn coding?

The truth is that it is not difficult to learn coding. However, learning something for the first time can be challenging at first. Over time, with a little patience, practice, and determination, anyone can master the art of programming. When it comes to learning to code, practice makes perfect.

But one may ask what are the best coding languages for kids? Not to worry, we’ll walk you through to get hands-on knowledge.

However, there are a variety of coding languages which makes it a bit confusing to decide on the best kids coding language. Notwithstanding, in this article, we will explore the 10 best coding languages for kids to learn in 2024.

This ranking is based on our experience with them and how effective it has aided learning generally, and not just for CodeAnt kids.

10 Best kids Coding Languages to Learn in 2024

Here is the list of the kids coding programming languages to learn currently.

Scratch
Python
JavaScript
Blockly
Ruby
Swift
Java
Lua
C#
HTML/CSS

#1. Scratch

Scratch is one of the best kids coding languages specifically designed for them from ages 4 and above. It creates a code learning environment that appeals to the senses of a child and allows them to express their creativity using codes, colors, and a variety of other animated tools made available in the program.

Scratch uses a drag-and-drop learning interface that allows kids to create interactive stories, games, and animated characters.

This is without the need of knowing complex coding syntax.

Scratch is an excellent code-learning tool for kids, particularly for kids who are just beginning to find their interest in technology.

Scratch introduces children to a variety of programming concepts such as loops, conditional statements, etc.

This is done in a fun and engaging way to enable the kids to learn and create at their own pace.

Why Your Kid Should Learn Scratch as A Programming Language

Asian kid boy coding with python language

Scratch as a programming language creates a very interactive learning interface that appeals well to the senses of your kid. As a result, helps them learn the fundamentals of coding.

Highlighted below are specific reasons why your child should learn coding using Scratch;

Scratch uses a visual programming language: Scratch introduces your kid to coding without actually having to write long lines of code to achieve a specific task. Scratch allows your kids to drag and drag blocks to create a series of programs as well as games and visual stories without writing long lines of code. This programming language allows them to focus on the logic behind the program rather than worrying about syntax errors that grown-up programmers have to deal with during their learning process and this usually makes the learning process frustrating.
Scratch is designed to be fun and engaging: The scratch platform was created specifically for kids and it shows. Scratch has a vibrant learning interface that allows kids to spend hours enjoying the learning experience on the platform creating games and animated stories.
Scratch introduces kids to programming concepts such as loops, conditional statements, and variables. By using visual blocks to represent these concepts, scratch makes them more accessible to kids who might find them very intimidating when represented with long lines of code.
Scratch allows kids to create interactive stories, games, and animations. This provides an opportunity for kids to express their creativity while learning how to code.
Scratch is free and easy to use: Kids can access scratch through a web browser and by downloading the offline editor. However, they will require the guidance of an instructor to help them pace their learning and provide guided tutelage.

Scratch is one of the best kids coding languages with so much peculiarity for them to learn. Interestingly, it is designed to be accessible, engaging, and fun.

By using Scratch, kids can develop the foundational skills they need to progress to more complex programming languages later on.

In addition, scratch allows kids to express their creativity and create something they can be proud of, which can be a powerful motivator for continued learning.

#2. Python

Python is a very common coding language that is used by industries for artificial intelligence, data analysis, and web development.

Without a doubt, Python is also one of the best kids coding languages. This is because it is relatively easy to understand and has a straightforward coding syntax.

Python being a high-level programming language is often used for teaching coding in schools. This is because it always filters the majority of the low-level details that can be overwhelming for young coders.

Why Your Kids Should Learn Coding Using Python

Python is a good coding language for kids to learn because it is easy and versatile in usage.

Highlighted below are reasons why your kid should learn python as a programming language.

Python is easy to learn: Python’s syntax is straightforward and easy to understand. This makes it an easy-to-use programming language for young programmers.
It is versatile: Python can be used for a wide range of tasks including the building of websites, analyzing data, and to also create video games. This versatility means that kids can apply python skills to a variety of projects, which can keep them engaged and interested in coding.
Python encourages good programming practices: Python emphasizes the use of good programming practices such as code readability and modularity. This means that kids who learn python as a coding language will also learn good habits that serve them well in their future coding endeavors.

Learning Python helps your kids develop the skills that they need to succeed in a wide range of careers while having fun and expressing their creativity.

#3. JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the best kids coding languages. It is a scripting language that is commonly used in Web Development. This language allows Web developers to add interactions to websites by creating dynamic user interfaces and animations.

JavaScript is a good coding language for kids to learn because it provides immediate visual feedback. This will keep them engaged and motivated through the learning process.

Additionally, JavaScript is a versatile language that can be used for both frontend and backend Web development.

Why Your Kids Should Learn JavaScript

JavaScript is an essential programming language for kids to learn and these are a few reasons;

JavaScript is everywhere: JavaScript is a programming language for the web which means that it is used extensively in web development. By learning JavaScript, kids can develop the skills needed to create interactive websites and web applications.
JavaScript is easy to learn: Just like Python, JavaScript has a straightforward syntax that is easy to understand. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Kids can quickly learn how to create animations, games, and other interactive content using JavaScript.
JavaScript encourages creativity: JavaScript is an efficient language for developing creative projects such as games, animations, and interactive arts.

#4. Blockly

Blockly is a visual programming language that is similar to Scratch. This is why it is part of our best kids coding languages. It uses a drag-and-drop code Learn interface that is similar to scratch.

However, Blockly is more flexible and can be used to create more complex programs than scratch. It is often used as a stepping stone between Scratch and traditional text-based programming languages like Python and JavaScript.

Indeed, Blockly is a programming language for kids to learn from the basics of their coding journey or experience.

#5. Ruby

Ruby is a high-level programming language that is easy to read and write. Consequently, it is often used for Web development, particularly with the popular Ruby on Rails Framework.

Rube is one of the best kids coding languages to learn now for every child. And this is because it has a very straightforward syntax and it is very forgiving of errors compared to the traditional text programming languages Python and JavaScript.

Ruby can be used Additionally by kids to build Web applications, games, and many more.

#6. Swift

Swift is a programming language that was developed by Apple for developing iOS and macOS applications.

It is one of the best kids coding languages that has a great user interface for the children to interact with in during programming.

It can be used by kids to build mobile apps. Swift has a very clean and modern syntax that is easy to read and write, making it a great programming tool for young learners.

#7. Java

Java is a versatile language that is used in a wide range of applications, for mobile app development and a series of games.

It is one of the best kids coding languages, though, being old. Thus, it has a very strict coding syntax which can help kids develop good coding habits from an early age.

This will improve your kids’ creative thinking skills as well as perseverance in completing a task.

Java is good at teaching object-oriented programming concepts.

#8. Lua

Lua is a lightweight scripting language that is often used in game development. It has a very interactive learning interface that makes it easy for kids to learn and create very simple games quickly. Just as the name sounds and the three letters.

Lua is also one of the best programming languages for kids available to learn. This is because it provides immediate feedback, allowing them to see the results of their coding efforts in real-time.

#9. C#

C# is a programming language that is primarily for developing Windows applications and games. It is also a good coding language for kids to learn if they are interested in developing video games for PC or Xbox.

C# has a syntax that is similar to Java. This makes a good stepping stone for kids who may be interested in learning more complex programming languages.

This is why it made our list of the best kids coding languages to engage your child with.

#10. HTML/CSS

HTML and CSS are essential and the building blocks for web development.

HTML is used to create the surface of a web page while CSS is used to style it. Both are relatively easy to learn and are essential for kids who are interested in web development.

Additionally, HTML/CSS can be used in conjunction with other programming languages like JavaScript to create more complex web applications.

So, kids who learn HTML/CSS can go a long way to becoming sort-after full-stack developers. According to Indeed, the average yearly salary of a full-stack developer in the US is 117,473.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The list of best kids programming languages is filled with peculiarities. However, coding is an essential skill that every child should learn in today’s digital world.

By starting with one of these programming languages for kids mentioned above, your child can begin to develop their problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity.

While each of these programming languages has its strengths and weaknesses, they are all excellent choices for kids to learn in 2024.

Whether your child is interested in web development, game development, or mobile app development, there is a coding language that suits their interest and skill level.

Therefore, encourage your child to learn to code today, and who knows, they may be the next great programmer of the future.

Frequently Asked Questions On Kids Coding Languages

What is the best programming language for kids to learn?

Scratch is an excellent language for kids to learn because it is designed to be accessible, engaging, and fun for kids of all age groups. However, there are other popular programming languages for kids such as Python, JavaScript, and a lot more. Read through our article above for a full description of these programming languages.

At what age should kids start learning to code?

Kids can start learning to code as early as age five or six. However, the best age to start will depend solely on the child’s interest, attention span, and developmental stage.

Do kids need to have a computer to learn to program?

While shaving a computer is helpful, But, it is not a MUST for kids to learn programming by having a computer. Many coding platforms such as scratch, can be accessed through a web browser or a tablet.

How can parents help their kids learn to program?

Parents can help their kids learn programming by providing them with resources such as coding books, coding instructors, and online courses and giving them access to coding camps. Additionally, parents can encourage their kids to pursue their interests and explore coding on their own.

Can learning programming help kids with other subjects or professions?

Yes, learning programming can help with other subjects such as maths, sciences, and even English. Programming teaches problem-solving, logical thinking, and attention to detail. These are all very valuable skills for many academic disciplines.

Is coding a good career choice for kids?

Coding is an excellent career choice for kids who enjoy problem-solving, logic, and creativity. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in society, the demand for skilled programmers is likely to continue to grow.