'Minecraft' Add-on Helps you Learn Programming while you Play

Programming languages can be challenging to learn, especially for children who would rather create them rather than play with them. Thankfully, ThoughtSTEM has found a method to make programming fun and accessible in one shot. Its upcoming LearnToMod software teaches you to write JavaScript code by producing Minecraft mods that are suitable to your level of proficiency. If you're just starting out with Minecraft, you can make blocks of code to create simple-yet-fun features, such as a bow that shoots Teleporters. Advanced students, meanwhile can write their code in raw JavaScript and produce content that you wouldn't think was possible in Minecraft's cuboid universe, such as Tetris's mini-game.

If the game's gameplay isn't enough, there's plenty of motivators included in the system. There are more than 100 lessons, with videos that show how to do the task and badges for completing certain tasks. Wzjxzz Private servers allow you to share your projects with your friends. You can even get credit at the University of California in San Diego If you're planning to pursue the degree of a programmer. Although only 150 students are testing LearnToMod right now you can pre-order it for $30 prior to its wider October launch -which is a bit too late for back-to school, but a good option if you're trying to try your hand at programming.

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'Minecraft' add-on helps you learn to program while you play