Suggestions on starting a child programming [closed]

Answer 1

How old? Lots of us stared with BASIC at some point, but before then, I learned the concepts of stringing commands together, variables, and looping with LOGO. Figuring out how to draw a circle with a triangle that can only go in a straight line and turn was my very first programming accomplishment.

Edit: This question & its answers make me feel old.

Answer 2

I think Java might be a good choice simply because you can make GUIs easily, and see "cool things" happening. For the same reason, maybe any of the .NET languages. I've also heard good things about scripting languages (Ruby and Python, especially) for getting kids to learn how to program.

Answer 3

Well, if they're young and haven't learnt their ABC's you could try them on BF - non of those pesky letters and numbers to deal with.

I'll get me' coat.

Skizz

Answer 4

I think Context Free Art might be a good choice, with output of graphics, it makes it a lot of fun learning about context-free grammar.

Answer 5

Two possibilities are:

Scratch - developed at MIT - http://scratch.mit.edu/

and

EToys from the One Laptop per Child fame - http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Squeak

Answer 6

I would pitch LOGO. It was something that was taught in my elementary school. It gives nearly immediate feedback, and will teach really basic programming concepts. Moving that little turtle around can be a lot of fun.