I don't really look at Scratch as a visual programming language. For the most part, it represents programs as text and using syntax similar to common programmin

I don't really look at Scratch as a visual programming language. For the most part, it represents programs as text and using syntax similar to common programming languages. Yes, there are other visual cues and yes, it is drag and drop. Those are better thought of as learning aides and an alternative input method. Where Scratch shines is in the removal of frustrations. Rather than dealing with broken programs due to a misspelled variable, misplaced parenthesis, or syntax errors the learner has the opportunity to focus upon how the program works. That is far more valuable in the early stages.