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SPECIFICTION
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Scratch

scratch.mit.edu

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Spec score 8.1 #7 of 49 in Coding Education Platforms

What it is

Scratch is a free programming platform for making and sharing interactive stories, games and animations. Its visual projects are built with Scratch, and project-based learning aims to develop creative thinking, systematic reasoning and collaboration. It is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, though people of all ages use it. Scratch runs on the web and on Android, macOS and Windows; app downloads are listed for Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, ChromeOS and Android tablets running Android 6.0+. The app works offline, but projects made offline are not accessible by Scratch. Extensions add blocks for connecting projects to hardware or web services. Scratch says it is used in more than 150 countries and is available in more than 40 languages. The platform is free. Optional Annual Membership is $35 a year, and Lifetime Membership is $150, paid once; both are donations that include early or exclusive content, tutorials, merchandise and store discounts.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Scratch lets users program interactive stories, games, and animations and share creations in its online community.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Audience
Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, and is also used by people of all ages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Free plan
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Security
Scratch says it uses administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including SSL/TLS for data transfers and restricted access to its servers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · mitscratch.freshdesk.com
Privacy
Scratch says it does not sell or rent account information, and limits information collected during signup and made public on the website.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Support
Parents can contact Scratch staff through the Contact Us link and ask questions in the discussion forums.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Founded
2007Read 28 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Community safety
Scratch asks community members to keep personal information private and report content that violates its community guidelines.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Download platforms
The Scratch app download information lists Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, ChromeOS, and Android tablets running Android 6.0+.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Extensions
Scratch extensions add blocks that connect projects to hardware devices or web services.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Global reach
Scratch says it is used in more than 150 countries and is available in more than 40 languages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Learning goals
Scratch aims to help young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Membership benefits
Scratch Membership offers early or exclusive content, including new sprites, members-only tutorials, merchandise, and store discounts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratchfoundation.org
Offline use
The Scratch app can be used offline, and projects made in it are not accessible by Scratch.Read 30 Sep 2026 · mitscratch.freshdesk.com
Organization
Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Privacy limitation
Scratch states that no security system is impenetrable and it cannot completely guarantee database security or prevent interception during internet transmission.Read 30 Sep 2026 · mitscratch.freshdesk.com

Plans and prices

Scratch platform Free Free digital platform for creating and sharing projects Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratch.mit.edu
Annual Membership $35 a year $35 membership donation per year Early and exclusive content · members-only tutorials · merchandise and discounts Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratchfoundation.org
Lifetime Membership $150, paid once $150 one-time membership donation Early and exclusive content · members-only tutorials · merchandise and discounts Read 30 Sep 2026 · scratchfoundation.org

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Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free platform for creating and sharing projects
  • Offline app use is available
  • Extensions connect to hardware or web services
  • Available in more than 40 languages

Limits

  • Offline-made projects are not accessible by Scratch
  • Android app downloads are listed for tablets

Who it suits

Scratch suits young people, especially ages 8 to 16, who want to learn programming through creative projects. Its sharing community and collaboration goals may also suit educators and learners of other ages.

Verdict

Scratch combines beginner-oriented programming projects with an online sharing community and optional memberships. Check the listed app requirements if you plan to download it, and note that offline-made projects are not accessible by Scratch.

Where Specifiction places it

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