It's never too early to learn how to code!
Coding For Kids For Dummies helps you learn the basics of coding the fun way. This book walks you through the essentials of coding with 13 exciting projects. You'll learn what coding is, how to make digital toys and games on your computer, and how to start writing your first lines of code! With step-by-step instructions and activities, this book makes it simple to get started. And when you see error messages, don't panic! All new coders make mistakes—this book helps you figure them out and fix them, so your code will be good to go. Along the way, you'll be boosting your creativity, getting better at logical thinking, and learning a skill that will open the door to fun hobbies and careers. So get coding!
- Learn basic coding concepts and skills
- Create your own digital toys and games
- Figure out how to turn your ideas into code
- Get involved in the online coding community
Kids who want to learn how to code (and the parents who want to encourage them) can get off to a great start with Coding For Kids For Dummies.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started 5
Chapter 1: Seeing the Big Picture in Coding 7
Chapter 2: QuickStart Coding 17
Part 2: Clicks, Moves, Loops, and a Little Logic 33
Chapter 3: Inputting and Outputting 35
Chapter 4: Moving and Looping 55
Chapter 5: Animating with Simple Conditionals 71
Part 3: Random Surprises and Functions 89
Chapter 6: Adding Randomness 91
Chapter 7: Writing Functions and Scattering Stuff 105
Part 4: Getting Gamey with Key Controls and Variables 121
Chapter 8: Creating a Reaction Game with Variables 123
Chapter 9: Creating a Sports Game with Key Control 143
Chapter 10: Creating a Collection and Avoidance Game 167
Part 5: Searching, Sorting, Logic, and Lists 191
Chapter 11: Working with Lists, Strings, and Text I/O 193
Chapter 12: Searching and Logic 209
Part 6: Next Generation Coding 227
Chapter 13: Working with AI as Your Coding Sidekick 229
Chapter 14: Building AI Models 243
Appendix: Joining the Coding Community 261
Index 265
Camile McCue, PhD, is an educator and author who loves teaching kids all things STEM, computer science, and entrepreneurship. Camille has written over a dozen books with Wiley, all aimed at building confidence and capability in using technology.
