Post#1

In my assessment of the Scratch application in the first week's assignment, I made assertions about programs that I thought were similar -- Dr. Flores mentioned some other programs closer in operation than the ones I chose. Below is my Week one assessment, Dr. Flores's comments, and the link to my blog thereafter. 

Introduction

Scratch is an interactive website that allows one to create and design simple programs using modular components containing coded commands. Some interesting concepts were conveyed to users of this program. For instance, each modular piece is set within a particular group representing a type of function. Those functions are similar to input values on a command line of a programming language such as Python or C++.

Using Scratch.                                              

While Scratch is quite an interesting program that can be a gentle introduction into the world of program languages, it is fraught with many boundaries that could pose some difficulties for new users.

Identifying the Problems

Making the Sprites move to the positions one wishes them to be can take some time. The characters are not fluid and are stiff. Adding sound can be challenging to add to the program for the duration of the program. 

Working Through the Problems

The process of building a program revealed several of those boundaries --semi-rigid by design, one can overcome them by studying the code embedded within each piece. One may also find simple trial and error to be of great use to resolve problems.

Gained Insights

Some of the gained insights are that the ability to couple commands together with others to get the desired response can sometimes be difficult due to the shape of the modules. The keyed modules only fit with specific other modules. That is sometimes the same as other programs such as C++, and  Python.  

Compare Experiences Working with Snatch Textbook Activities

Manually inputting inputs on a command line is much more complex than using a modular approach. The modules are used more readily because memorization is not imperative. High-level languages require a greater knowledge of how to operate the system as a whole.

Differences Between Programming Languages

The types of programming languages are Assembly language and High-Level programming languages. The difference is in the complexity of the languages and their ability to produce high-quality graphics and programs.

Machine Language: Operate as switches to allow changes in voltages to determine the output of a device. Lysecky, and Vahid (2017).

Assemblers and Assembly Languages: The Language of ones and zeros that get controlled by Program languages. "a textual human-understandable representation of a machine language's 0's and 1's." Lysecky, and Vahid (2017).

High-Level Language: "is a programming language having higher-level instructions than assembly language, enabling greater programmer productivity." Lysecky, and Vahid (2017).

Identify which Language you found easiest to use: I believe High-Level Programs, particularly Python, are the easiest to use.

Describe scenarios where each type of programming language would be most effective.

 

Machine language would work very well when one may need a controller to maintain the speed and direction of servos and synchros to a gimbal assembly tracking correctly.

Assembly Language may be necessary to keep machinery such as an auger on a plastic extrusion machine running smoothly.

High-level programs are used primarily to create high-quality graphics and games as well as Operating systems for computer hardware.

Explain which programming language you think is the most popular and why.

Python is a robust High-level program that is more user-friendly than most other Hoh-level programs. This ease of use makes Python the more straightforward program to navigate successfully.  

Dr. Flores's Comments.

Comment #1

"An essential part of every programming language is to fully understand the syntactical and logical structural components of any language chosen to code or create an application. However, with Scratch, the ready-made solutions with the help of tutorials can make the work facile." - Dr. Jimmy Flores

Comment #2

"Although initially the various components of scratch can be difficult to understand, it is a simple process where no technical coding is required for one to design any application from the beginning. The animations, graphical interfaces are appealing in a manner that educationalists, children and anyone can drag and drop the various aspects like sound, color, sensing, control, events along with the other factors of the animative stage." - Dr. Jimmy Flores

Comment #3

"Scratch can be confusing as compared to python where syntax related logical statements are used to obtain relevant results. Scratch is more comparable to visual basic programs, where a drag and drop option of the various components is done, with the backend comprising of programming language such as SQL or oracle to support their behavior and working." - Dr. Jimmy Flores

Scratch Link:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/579226885

References:

Lysecky Susan, and Vahid Frank (2017), Section 2.9 - INT 100: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy (zybooks.com)