Snap | Block-Based Coding

About Snap

Kyd Tantano Masong

Last Update a year ago

Snap! (formerly BYOB) is a visual, drag-and-drop programming language. It is an extended reimplementation of Scratch (a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab) that allows you to Build Your Own Blocks. It also features first class[1] lists, first class procedures, and first class continuations[2]. These added capabilities make it suitable for a serious introduction to computer science for high school or college students.


In the example below, a Snap! user can create new control structures, such as a for loop, by writing a script as shown at the left. Once the for block is created, it can be used even to make nested loops, as shown in the center. A sprite carries out that script at the right.

Relevant tools

  • Run Snap!: Snap! is a broadly inviting programming language for kids and adults that's also a platform for serious study of computer science.
  • Snap! Cheat Sheet: This guide will show you how to match up the procedures in the AP exam language with the blocks in Snap!. If you need a quick introduction to programming in Snap!, check out the Snap! Crash Course.
  • Snap Official Website: Snap! is brought to you by UC Berkeley and SAP.

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