Lesson 37: What is Code?

Snack & Chat

We’ve been talking about Algorithms – they are a list of steps to follow to accomplish a task. Like when you told me how to draw a smiley face.

And we’ve been talking about Programmes – they are Algorithms that have been coded into something that can be run by a Machine. Like the North, South, East, West, Code that we used to tell our robot how to get to the smiley face on the floor.

But what is a Code? And what is Coding?

Computer code is a set of rules or instructions. It is made up of words and numbers and when you put them in the right order it will tell your computer what you want it to do. You can program lots of things with code.

So it’s coding when you right a set of instructions for the computer, that the computer can understand. You write your algorithm, and your programme with code!

Let’s write some code today!

Has anybody every heard of the game Angry Birds? Do you know that the game has been written in code? When you touch the screen in a certain way, the computer is told what to do with the bird. Let’s try it here with some simple arrows, to get us started.

Now it’s your turn

Let’s go to the computer room, and you give this a try all by yourself. When you are done this level, there are 15 more levels that you can try. How far can you get?

Have fun!!!