Coding for Kids
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 14-year-old Lucas from Sweden! Lucas likes playing games and programming, and his favorite subject in school is science. Of course, he wants to be a game designer when he grows up!
Lucas talked with us about his experience coding with Tynker:
How did you get introduced to Tynker?
Well, I got introduced to Tynker when my school wanted me to download it for math class, but I downloaded it a little bit earlier and I already had a basic understanding of it so I just got the feeling to continue with it, and I’m not planning to stop.
How have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
Yes, and it has become more fun to program as well!
How did you feel when you found out your project had been featured?
I was surprised that it actually was a real award!
What is your favorite project you’ve made so far?
I made a Tynker version of the game Cuphead quite recently and I published it. That was the most challenging project I made so far and, therefore, it was the most fun. I like all the lines of code!
Where did you get the idea for your project?
My friend really likes the game Cuphead, so he asked me if I could make a Tynker version for it, so he could play it in school without getting in trouble. So, I started it and it was a fun idea! I think it took at least a couple of weeks to make it. At least one hour a day with it and I just try to think of new things.
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
Well, games that already exist like mobile games I play on my computer and just things that my friend wants me to make!
Why do you like to code?
It’s fun to make games where you can play, do one thing and upgrade to do that thing better and then you can restart to get more things done! So I really like to play clicker games and challenging games!
Do you have a favorite code block?
Broadcasting! It’s very useful. I almost use it in every line of code I make. It’s really useful to make two different characters connect with each other!
What do you do with a project when you’re done with it?
I publish it and then I fix the bugs if there is something.
What are you planning to make next?
I’m working on my game called Idol Fighting. And if I keep my speed right now, I will publish it in a number of days. That’s the project I’m going to work on!
What’s the best thing about coding with Tynker?
It’s almost unlimited, the amount of things you can make!
Has learning to code prepared you for the future?
Yes, it has in a very nice way because, as I said I am aiming for a career in game designing and game developing, so it really, really helps me a lot!
Do you think other kids should try coding?
Yes, if they feel like they need to express their creativity in the form of a game then I think Tynker is a really good way to start and then continue with programming in general!
What advice would you give to kids starting out with Tynker?
Personally, I would say to experiment and start with making your own games directly, but if you haven’t programmed before I would probably recommend doing one or two of the courses that you already have!
Lucas’ parents, Stefan and Lena, spoke to us about their son learning to code:
Lena: I was a web developer before I was working at the IT company. So, I used to program and I’m very, very proud of Lucas and I’m really looking forward to seeing him grow up and be a game programmer. It’s going to be really fun to follow him!
How do you support Lucas in his coding endeavors?
Stefan: We help him with the tools, the right way, right coding tools, and test. Supporting him when he gets stuck on the coding.
Lena: We always knew he was very talented so we tried to just do a lot of math really early. Yeah, the logical thinking is pushing him in the right direction.
Do you feel that Lucas is better prepared for the future?
Stefan: Absolutely! IT and programming are the future with all the technology that’s coming.
Lena: To be 14 years old and be so good at what you do with this tool, you have the future ahead of you. You can just move on and be even better, but it’s great that he’s getting knowledge to be more self-confident. That’s really good!
Thank you!
We want to thank Lucas and his parents for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We’re looking forward to more projects from Lucas – HAPPY CODING!
