PC Doctor October 26, 2019

Have your computer questions answered here! Search the PC Doctor archive or submit a question of your own at info@athollibrary.org

Dear PC Doctor:

I’ve heard a lot about “coding,” but I don’t really understand what it is. I’d like to learn. Can you point me in the direction of some tutorials or informative websites?

Thanks,

Allison

Dear Allison:

Coding is what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps, and websites. Your browser, your OS, the apps on your phone, Facebook, websites – they’re all made with code. For example, HTML is the code used to write web pages. JavaScript is also code; it makes things like clicks, hovers, or key strokes work. It makes web pages interactive. Other kinds of code you’ve probably heard of include CSS, Binary, and Python.

There are a lot of places on the internet where you can learn about code. If you like video learning, visit youtube – There are so many videos you can watch!

There are also many sites that are set up to help beginners understand a little bit about code. Some are free. Some will require you to sign up for an account. Most have instructional nodes and games to play that reinforce the concepts. Here are just a few you can try:

Code.org (Code Studio)

CodeAcademy.com

Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming)

Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu/) – Look for the tutorials.

Your public library also has some great books that explain the basics of coding!

Until next time,
Happy Computing!

PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library.