BECOME AN APP INVENTOR

A guide to begin programming in MIT App Inventor.

This guide breaks down the app programming process into steps involving assembling and organizing the components you need (images, buttons, etc.) and then coding the functions using an interface that will already be familiar for readers who have used MIT’s visual programming language, Scratch. To help readers become confident with the software, the book uses screenshots to introduce them to the drag-and-drop graphical user interface—the Designer, where the components are assembled, and Blocks, which allows for Scratch-like coding. After the first chapter familiarizes readers with the vocabulary and basics, subsequent projects are designed with a clear focus. One possible drawback of the simplified, streamlined process is that it assumes everything will go smoothly and doesn’t have much troubleshooting built in short of proofreading code blocks to make sure they match those provided by the book. The chapter projects start off simply (a greeting app, a basic translator, and a digital piano) before working up to more complicated creations (a game played by tilting a mobile device, a tour guide app, and a cloud-supported chat app). Each project ends with ideas for how young programmers can further customize them. Between chapters, there are inspirational profiles of diverse young programmers from around the world who have used programming to improve their communities. Readers must have a computer, mobile device, and internet access to implement the instructions.

A clear, empowering way to learn app-making.