> Since I've been programming for many a decades now, it's hard for me to see what it'd be like for a beginner to approach the language. But I was left wonderin

> Since I've been programming for many a decades now, it's hard for me to see what it'd be like for a beginner to approach the language. But I was left wondering if this really is any easier for beginners. I teach programming classes for children in both Scratch and Javascript. I can promise Scratch is easier for beginners. You're absolutely correct that past a certain point of complexity, Scratch becomes kind of stupid. Most kids, however, are not trying to solve Kepler's equation. If you ever have the urge again, try using Scratch to make a simple game, something like "catch the falling objects" or "avoid the moving obstacles". I think you'll find the process a lot smoother.