the art of textual programming
From block-based to text-based programming
Graduating to Thonny
You remember my name?
Ooo - an adventure game!
Round and round again.
I have no idea what you are on about.
Everyone likes a quiz.
Module Introduction
Welcome to the next step in your programming adventure! This module is all about making the exciting leap from the visual world of block-based coding to the powerful realm of text-based programming with Python, a language used by professionals at places like Google, NASA, and Spotify. We'll unlock the secrets of writing code with words and symbols, giving you the power to create more complex and impressive programs. This journey will take you from the basics of writing your first line of Python to being able to confidently build an interactive quiz game from scratch. By the end of this module, you will have the power to write code that thinks, chooses, and repeats, giving you the foundational skills to build almost anything you can imagine.
Why does this module matter?
Learning to program with text is like learning a new language to speak directly to computers. It is a fundamental skill that opens up a world of creativity and problem-solving, allowing you to build things that are useful, fun, and can even change the world. This module gives you the foundational tools to bring your own digital ideas to life
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For you
This module will help you develop several key computing personas:
The Implementer: This is your core identity in this module. You are moving beyond dragging blocks to typing the precise commands that bring a program to life. You'll learn the craft of writing clean, efficient code – the fundamental skill of every programmer.
The Problem Solver: Text-based programming gives you a more powerful toolkit to solve challenges. You’ll learn how to break down problems and build logical, step-by-step solutions using variables, decisions, and loops, turning you into a more versatile and effective problem solver.
The Technician: Every program you write is a set of instructions that controls the physical hardware of the computer. This module is your first step towards understanding how software can sense and control the world, forming the foundation for future projects in robotics and physical computing.
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For your future:
The skills you learn in this module are the starting point for many exciting and in-demand careers. One of the most direct pathways is to become a Software Developer.
Career Focus: A Software Developer is the architect and builder of the digital world. They design, create, test, and maintain the software applications we use every day, from mobile apps and video games to the operating systems that run our computers.
Key Skills: This module is the foundational pillar for a software developer. You will learn the core concepts of programming (variables, loops, selection), how to use a professional programming environment, and the importance of writing clean, readable code – skills that every single software developer uses every day.
Interesting facts: The demand for software developers is incredibly high and expected to grow. It's a career with strong salary progression, with senior developers in the UK often earning over £60,000, and specialists in areas like AI or cybersecurity commanding salaries well over £100,000.
Our Learning Journey
Our journey will start by translating the block-based programming ideas you already know into a powerful text-based language, Python. We'll get comfortable with a professional coding environment and learn how to print messages to the screen and spot basic errors. Next, we'll unlock the ability to make our programs interactive by storing information in variables and asking the user for input. Then, you'll give your programs the power to think and make choices using selection statements like if and else. We'll also learn how to repeat actions efficiently using for and while loops. Throughout this journey, we'll focus on the craft of writing clean, readable code, and we'll bring everything together by building a complete, interactive quiz game from scratch.
Last modified: July 21st, 2025
