miniBloq
miniBloq is an open-source graphical programming platform, providing a simple way to learn, study and stay informed about the world of business. The platform wants to make it easier for people who are interested in learning more about business without needing prior knowledge. The interface is pretty easy to use, and the tutorials are helpful if you’re new to programming concepts.
Something that the site is most proud of is its programming tutorials section, and there are even some quizzes that promise fascinating facts. You can also transform a whole page into a giant spreadsheet using spreadsheet mode. The screen has a mouse-over feature, and you can hover over each icon to get more details about it.
There is an extra row of icons on top of the regular set above, which gives you even more options that you can use to create your program. The site is supposed to get people interested in business, but it seems like miniBloq does a lot more than just teach them how to code. It’s more of an online community than anything else, and they’re making it easier for people of all ages.
miniBloq Alternatives
#1 S4A
A platform that is designed for scratch modeling, making it easy for simple programming of the Arduino microcontroller. S4A is the abbreviation for Simple Scratch Application, a platform that encourages programming in a language that does not require complex syntax. On the other hand, it is also capable of performing complex tasks using only one single line of code which makes it very user-friendly.
S4A gives its users access to different components such as Arduino, sensors, and servos through an online portal and makes it possible to program using different languages like C++ or Java and more languages as well. The main advantages of this platform are that there is no need for compiling or installing any software because all necessary components are already installed on your computer and can be accessed anytime from anywhere. S4A is compatible with different types of operating systems such as Windows, Linux, or Mac. However, the platform is designed to be controlled by a Microsoft Windows application which makes it easier for beginners to use.
#2 Modkit
Modkit is an open-source programming platform that allows programmers with a variety of backgrounds to share their creations and learn from each other and is allowing programmers to make beautiful software. The platform is making building and sharing software easy with no prior programming experience. You can add powerful features like HTML5 animations, live code editing, or responsive design into your project without worrying about performance.
Modkit provides you complete security that means the project will never be modified without your permission! Modkit allows you to create interactive experiences that are accessible by everyone while embedded within the web browser itself, rather than having to download a separate app.
The Modkit studio gives you access to the core features of Modkit, which you can use to create projects, remix projects from other creators, and there are a variety of tutorials from which you can learn. Once you’re ready to share your own creations with the world, each live project can be published as an HTML5 website – accessible by anyone with an internet connection.
#3 Embrio
Embrio is an all-in-one open-source visual and real-time development environment built on HTML and JavaScript. The platform is designed for people who want to learn programming through practical learning without any prior knowledge required. Embrio comes with four modes: Create Mode, Code Mode, Starter Kit Mode, and Sandbox/Playground mode. The platform provides you visual development environment which allows you to create apps while having a real-time view of your changes.
Embrio is designed to accommodate both ways of learning by providing features that enable practical and transmissive learning. This means that students can experiment with functionality without having to edit and reload the page from their code editor. Unlike other web-based development environments, Embrio was built from the ground up for teaching purposes using the latest web technologies out there, such as HTML5, JavaScript, Node. With its transmissive learning, you don’t have to put hours figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and you will be able to build the interface/web app and logic for your app.
#4 ArduBlock
ArduBlock is a graphical programming language plugin specifically made for Arduino circuits and controllers. You can write a program for almost all of its circuit models. The programming environment has an IDE that you can reach to access preferences. The preferences have all the customizable options for the software itself. The software allows you to program in blocks of functions like app inventor for android. The highlighting feature of Ardublock is that it generates the lines of codes.
In addition to blocks that are literal translations of the functions in the Arduino library, it also provides some predefined blocks for working with a variety of electronic components. After adding this plugin to the Arduino IDE, you can start with its first code, the blink led. This helps the plugin to connect the blocks, tap upload automatically, and the Arduino code is generated and uploaded to the board. All in all, ArduBlock is a great piece of software for programmers and developers for leveraging their hardware functionality.
#5 Visuino
Visuino is a visual programming environment that lets you write programs from Arduino circuit boards. The program currently supports all the official Arduino models as well as Raspberry Pi, Teensy, Femto IO, ESP8266, ESP32, Controllino, Goldilocks Analogue, FreeSoC2, chipKIT, microbit, Maple Mini, and Arduino clones. You can also request to add support or more devices. The tool is perfect for those who are hardware experts but have very little knowledge of software development. It takes out the efforts of coding with its drag and drops programming-based environment.
Some highlighting features include SubDiagrams live code, Modbus client or master, madbus server or slave, custom code component, forward fast Fourier components, inverse fast Fourier components, and analog apply window component. Visuino offers numerous powerful functions meant for sharing data, manipulating data, monitoring, and maintaining proper functionality remotely. All in all, Visuino is a great programming tool that you can use for manipulating Arduino circuits.
#6 Node-RED
Node-RED is a programming utility tool that enables users to wire the hardware devices or online services with each other in interesting ways. The platform comes with a browser-based editor that allows users to wire the devices to services easily together through the help of nodes. Its built-in library enables users to save useful functions or templates in the system. It comes with a rich JavaScript-based text editor that allows users to create JavaScript functions.
Users can store all the flows which are created in Node-Red by using JSON and can share them with others. Users can even share their best flows through their online library functions. Node-RED runs on low-cost hardware such as Raspberry Pi as it is built on Node.js, too, on its non-blocking model. Lastly, companies like Agilit-e, Spirit, and many others are using it, and it can run on the cloud, on a device, and locally.