freeCodeCamp vs Scratch

freeCodeCamp is a free community for people learning to code together. Learners build projects step by step in a browser, code editor, or mobile app, using a public curriculum of videos, articles, and interactive lessons. Topics include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Bash, SQL, and computer science. Its verified certifications are free and self-paced; each takes around 300 hours of dedicated learning, and learners may move between challenges instead of following them in order. The iOS and Android apps let users study on the go and sync progress with a freeCodeCamp account. A publication, YouTube channel, and forum extend the community’s learning resources. Users can sign in with GitHub or Google, make portfolio details private, download their data in JSON format, or delete personal data or their account. freeCodeCamp describes its project as open source under the BSD-3 license, and says educators can use its materials without a license or special permission. The resources are used by high school, college, and adult education programs.

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.