What is text coding?

In text coding (or text-based programming), you write instructions for the computer in text, rather than using Tynker’s visual block programming language. Unlike block coding, where blocks can be placed anywhere as long as they are connected to appropriate event handlers, instructions in text-based code are written in an order from top to bottom, and the computer reads one line of code at a time when executing a program. Most professional programmers use text coding languages.

Every coding language has its own syntax, which defines how the language works and what keywords you need to use to accomplish specific tasks. Code that does something in one language might not look exactly the same as code that does the same thing in a different language. For example, to print a message in Python, you would use the function print(), but in Java, you would use System.out.println().

Text coding requires more attention to detail because if your syntax is not exactly correct, the computer will not be able to interpret your code correctly and your program will not work. This is called a syntax error.

Text coding languages include Python, JavaScript, Java, and more.