Many languages attract people to programming, like Alice, Logo, Scratch, and Snap. Some emphasize “computational thinking” so look different from industry coding languages, or don’t have a flowchart view . Coral looks like industry languages (Java, C++, C, Python), but with ultra-simple syntax, plus a visualizing education-focused code and flowchart simulator.
Industry coding languages, like Java, C++, C, and even Python, have syntax and nuances that trip learners. Coral is much simpler.
Some flowchart languages exist, like Raptor, but require installation, don’t run on tablets or smartphones, and lack a matching code language. Coral has a web-based simulator, and unites code and flowcharts.
Coral helps learn key programming concepts — variables, assignments, branches, loops, arrays, and functions. Learners can then write programs to solve problems, like finding the max in a set of numbers, and then easily move to an industry coding language.
Coral is an effort by computer scientists at zyBooks, the Univ. of California at Riverside, and the Univ. of Arizona. Suggestions are welcome. Email: info@zybooks.com
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