# What is text-based programming and why is it important for kids? **What is text-based programming and why is it important for kids?** Ofsted have recently released a subject review of the computing curriculum, and it has raised some interesting questions about the importance of text-based programming and the way in which coding is taught in schools. So what is text-based programming? Why is it important for kids to learn this skill? And what is the difference between text-based and visual-based coding? Read on to find out more. **What did Ofsted's subject review say about computing in schools?** Ofsted's [subject review of the computing curriculum](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-review-series-computing/research-review-series-computing) concluded that schools have some way to go to ensure children leave formal education with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. Firstly, it concluded that a low number of specialist teachers and a lack of teaching time allocated to computing " _will have significant consequences for the quality of education that pupils receive in computing if nothing is done to remedy the situation_". The review also highlighted the significance of pupils learning " _important programming knowledge to enable them to become skilful programmers_". This includes learning programming languages that are not only chosen to meet curriculum goals, but can help children " _build a mental model of program execution_", i.e. have a better understanding of what a program will do once it's run. **What is text-based programming?** Text-based programming involves typing lines of code that tell computers what task to perform. It involves writing words, phrases, numbers and symbols in a certain order, so it makes sense to the computer - just like spelling and grammar in any other language. Learning text-based programming languages helps children understand the importance of syntax and how it affects an outcome. Text-based programming languages differ from visual-based (or block) programming in that they require you to write (and understand) lines of code, rather than simply dragging and dropping blocks to create your program. The best-known, text-based coding languages, are Python, Java, CSS/HTML, JavaScript, Swift, and Ruby. **Visual-based vs. text-based programming - which is best for kids?** Both visual and text-based programming have their pros and cons when it comes to teaching children code. Some would argue that visual-based coding, such as that used by Scratch, is easier for younger children to get to grips with - it's more fun, looks prettier and more appealing, and has easy-to-use features such as drag and drop, and drop-down menus which younger kids can handle. Text-based programming is sometimes thought of as the next step on from learning visual-based programming. It's considered by many to be more appropriate for older children who have a foundation in visual-based coding already, are comfortable using a keyboard, and have some grounding in logical thinking and basic arithmetic. However, the Ofsted computer curriculum review highlighted some pitfalls in solely using visual-based programming to teach children code. It's common for these 'block-based' languages to be used in primary schools as an introduction to coding, but the review concluded that some habits formed while using them are " _at odds with the accepted practice of computer science_" and unhelpful in teaching real-world skills. For example: - ● Visual-based languages may encourage a 'bottom up' approach, which focuses on single 'blocks' of language and not how they relate to the whole picture. - ● Children may miss out on learning 'accepted programming constructs' such as conditional execution and bounded loops. - ● While they can help with overcoming problems with syntax, visual languages do not help children to understand the meaning or concept behind what they are coding. **Benefits of text-based coding: 21st Century skills** Visual-based programming provides a great introduction to coding, but it is limited in terms of building future digital skills. As the Ofsted review highlights, from a young age it's crucial to arm children, and girls in particular, with the [21st Century skills](/content/blog/standout-skills-every-girl-needs-for-the-21st-century/index.html) they need to enter the world of work and become confident and successful digital citizens - and in order to do this, they will need to learn text-based programming languages. Here are just some of the ways text-based programming can support kids learning and build digital skills for the future: - ● Provides an experiential learning environment, where children can learn from mistakes, experience real-world challenges, and build crucial adaptability and problem-solving skills. - ● Builds computational and logical thinking skills that are vital to learning in any subject, and can be used in any future career. - ● Develops real programming skills in languages that are used by professional software developers. - ● Encourages creativity and innovation, as children are encouraged to customise, test and extend themselves and their ideas beyond what they think is possible. Read more about the [benefits of coding for kids](/content/blog/top-5-benefits-of-coding-for-kids/index.html). **How can Erase All Kittens help kids learn text-based programming?** In line with the 'high quality' computing education laid out in the Ofsted review, [Erase all Kittens](/content/site-root.html) is a fantastic way for kids to develop text-based programming skills. It's a revolutionary web-based game designed to equip kids aged 7-13 with usable digital skills, that will prepare them for 21st Century degrees and careers. Ofsted highlighted that 'storytelling' can have a useful role in helping children remember information, as long as the story is 'l _inked back to the specific computing concept they represent_' \- and Erase All Kittens does just that with its fun, story-driven approach. Players control the game's main character, Arca, who is on a mission to find all the kittens in the universe who have mysteriously gone missing. Step-by-step, players are taught the code they need to solve problems along the way - typing out code, testing it, seeing successes and learning from mistakes. It's a highly entertaining way for children to experiment with text-based programming as they learn code, save kittens and save the universe! What's more, with its fun, friendly characters and kitten-themed storyline, Erase all Kittens is really appealing for girls, which is so important in our mission to get girls into coding and close the [gender digital divide](/content/blog/the-world-needs-girls-who-code/index.html) within the tech industry. Read more about the [importance of entertainment in education](/content/blog/sesame-street-the-importance-of-entertainment-in-education/index.html). **Summary** So, in summary, what is text-based programming and why is it important for kids? It's a real-world skill that children will need in order to prepare themselves for careers in the digital age; it's a way to be creative, to test boundaries, see ideas come to life and to learn critical problem-solving skills; and most importantly, it's fun! And there's no better time for children to start learning. Find out more about how Erase All Kittens can [support the learning of text-based programming](/content/in-schools/index.html) and get a quote for your school. Help Arca on this important mission and try [Erase All Kittens](https://game.eraseallkittens.com/) for free.