Scratch review
A free, project-based starting point for learning programming concepts visually.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Scratch is a free, block-based programming platform for children and other beginners. Its drag-and-snap interface introduces programming concepts through interactive stories, games, animations, music, and art rather than typed code. Learners can work with sprites, backdrops, sounds, graphics, variables, lists, control flow, events, sensing, operators, and custom blocks. Beginner tutorials and starter projects provide structured entry points, while project sharing and remixing add a social, project-based learning format.
The published plan structure is straightforward: Scratch has a Free plan with block-based project creation, online project sharing, and learning tutorials and starter projects. There are no paid tiers to compare, so access to the core learning environment does not depend on selecting a subscription level. Scratch is available on the web, Windows, macOS, and Android. Its ecosystem also includes extensions for hardware devices and web services, with integrations listed for LEGO WeDo 1.0, LEGO WeDo 2.0, and PicoBoard. That combination gives educators and families options for connecting visual programming to physical projects.
Scratch is strongest when the goal is to make programming concepts approachable through visible, creative results. The environment covers meaningful foundations, including variables, lists, control logic, sensing, operators, events, and custom blocks, while its moderated online community supports sharing. Its main boundary is equally clear: the experience centers on the Scratch visual language, so it is not a direct substitute for text-based development. Choose Scratch for young learners who benefit from guided, project-based visual programming and creative experimentation. Choose another tool when the priority is learning conventional programming syntax or moving directly into text-based software development.
Scratch pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free access to block-based coding, tutorials, and starter projects
- Creates stories, games, animations, music, and art
- Moderated sharing community with hardware and web-service extensions
- Where it doesn't
- Block-based focus does not provide text-based development
- Hardware integrations center on LEGO WeDo and PicoBoard
- Visual projects may not suit learners ready for conventional coding syntax
Scratch fact sheet, pricing and score →
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