Train – Code Visually

5
Where to Buy

Train – Code Visually App Review

App Info

Price: Free

Overview

Train-Code Visually is a nonverbal, visually-based system of learning to create computer code. It provides many of the same functions that can be created in code, except they are presented visually as a train on tracks. For example, a loop is represented by an actual loop of track where the train can go completely around that section. The program includes two modes of play-a free play setting where players can build train systems however they wish, and a challenge setting, where players solve programming problems of increasing complexity while they develop increased understanding of coding.

Features include:

  • Nonverbal nature allows players of widely varying skill levels to participate
  • 80 sequenced challenges to build skills
  • Free play mode to experiment or play
  • Allows for complex coding, including if/then looping, if/while loops, use of variables, including output, and more.
  • Intuitive interface

Quality

Train-Code Visually is a high-quality app that is appropriate for users of all ages. Developers claim that it is fun for people from age 2 to 102, and this is quite likely true. People with no interest in coding at all (even very young children) will enjoy simply playing with the game in free play mode where they can build tracks in various configurations and then run the trains to see what happens. Those who prefer more structure or who are trying to learn to program can work through the challenges.

The app would benefit from a bit of a tutorial, though. While developers feel it is intuitive, it took me several tries to understand the mechanics of choosing and placing pieces. It might also help the challenges to have a way that users can see what the end goal of the level is to be. While some users will enjoy the trial-and-error method, others might find it to be a bit frustrating.

Education

This app is highly educational. Whether the goal is to learn to code or simply to create and implement different track configurations, players will be utilizing higher level thinking skills such as cause and effect, planning, observation, and more. The sequential nature of the challenges makes them very useful for learning concepts in an organized and structured manner. The free play mode allows users to experiment with concepts and ideas created by the user or inspired by the challenge levels. In short, it’s great practice.

Learning the concepts related to computer coding is highly valuable to nearly everyone. Organized thinking, the ability to work within a system, and so forth benefit developing minds.

Entertainment

Train has a lot of entertainment value for a wide array of users. Younger users will appreciate the free play mode and are quite likely to be satisfied with putting the pieces into different configurations and trying out the trains to see what happens. The program makes a crashing sound when the train reaches the end of the line accidentally which some children are likely to find fascinating to the point of crashing their train on purpose. Others will be intrigued by the challenges and will work to learn new skills to meet each one.

Value

This app is free on the App Store. There’s a lot of content and play value. It’s a great value!

 

Child Friendliness

Train-Code Visually is very child-friendly. There are no outside links, advertisements, or in-app purchases. With no reading involved, it is suitable for the very young and for special needs students.

  • NO external links
  • NO social media
  • NO 3rd party ads
  • No in-app purchase
Train – Code Visually
Train-Code Visually
Train-Code Visually is a great program that has fun to offer to a very wide range of users, from the very young to the student of computer programming. It uses a virtual toy train set to allow users to build and experiment with commands that can be transferred to computer programming concepts, like loops, variables, and more.
Quality
Education
Entertainment
Value
Child Friendly
5
Where to Buy