Evaluation of Block-Based and Text-Based Coding

Abstract

Beginner programmers usually have difficulties in creating syntactically correct programs. Some cases it is facilitated by features that help to enter text code, and in other cases by block-based programming that replaces conventional text-based coding. In my article, by comparing and evaluating the two possible types of coding, I prove that it is easier for beginners to learn block-based programming, but advanced programming requires transition to text-based coding. This will also be confirmed by three interviews with IT teachers. Then, I will point out that transition is possible within the same programming area and I will refer to my interviewees' experiences with the transition.