Code Angel is a “completely new way to learn to code”. It comes on a Raspberry Pi computer and teaches the principals of computer programming in Python using a series of 12 game development projects.
Each Code Angel game project includes the full Python source code, graphics and audio required to build a complete video game. Projects are supported by concise and differentiated “Show Me How…” animated video tutorials that have been produced by experienced Computing Science teachers. They explain the key concepts of the program code and computational thinking behind each game.
Projects also include extension ideas which suggest ways to further enhance each game. Finding and fixing bugs is one of the biggest challenges for those learning to code. Code Angel solves this problem with a unique feature which lets the user upload their program to the Code Angel website. Code Angel then provides the user with a report highlighting any bugs and explaining how to fix them.
Mark Cunningham, founder of Code Angel tells us:
“Computer programming is a key 21st Century skill, but it should also be fun and give the learner a sense of achievement. With over 20 years of experience of teaching computer programming in schools, we know what motivates learners and we know what causes barriers to their learning. We also believe in developing computational thinking skills. At Code Angel, we have drawn together all of our experience to develop a product which teaches coding straight out of the box”
There are two versions of Code Angel: Code Angel in a Box comes with all content pre-installed on a Raspberry Pi; Code Angel Digital lets users download and stream all content from the Code Angel website.
The Code Angel Kickstarter campaign runs from 13th April through to 12th May, 2017. For more information visit the Kickstarter campaign.
Is it worth learning Python in 2017?
If you are new to programming then the answer is yes, absolutely! Here is what some industry experts are saying:-
Brendan Murray, IBM Senior Technical Staff Member, Member of IBM Academy of Technology and IBM Master Inventor says:
Learning a programming language is unimportant compared to learning how to program. Python is a great way to learn programming and it has become popular in areas like network programming, etc. However if your question is to identify which language will replace things like Java, Python is not the answer. It’s more likely to be Swift. Now, despite the hype, there’s nothing actually new in Swift, although it does draw a lot of stuff from other languages like C++, but makes it easier to use.
Basically, if you’re starting to program, Python’s a good choice, but if you’re asking about The Next Big Thing, Swift is probably a better choice.
Gaurav Gaur, Studied at Bachelor of Technology Degrees says:
Yes, it is an easy to learn OO language. It is the second most popular language now. You should learn it if you are interested in:-
- Starting new and want to play along with OO concepts
- Machine Learning algorithms and analysis
- Big Data research/ Data science
- Web development etc.
Python is used by some big firms such as Google, Netflix etc. I would say it is a good option and quite a few MOOCs are available to guide you through.
Which language should I learn for next 5 years? There are quite a few options:
Java – Most popular language. It will continue to be popular. Scala – It is a functional + OO JVM language that people have started talking about. Scala is becoming popular day by day. Go – Language by Google, popular for its parallel execution. C/C++ – Evergreen language for low level computing and coding.
In my opinion you should concentrate on the programming concepts rather than a language. You can pick up any language of your choice and start coding.