Microsoft makes it easy for children to learn programming using Minecraft

Microsoft MakeCode is a web-based environment for kids and children to learn to code with physical computing devices such as the micro:bit and Circuit Playground. It brings programming to life for all students with fun projects, immediate results, and both block and text editors for learners at different levels. Microsoft has now added support for Minecraft on MakeCode.

Students can use it to program mini-games, automated builds, and change gameplay behavior in Minecraft. They can use either the visual block-based editor, or the JavaScript editor. They can build programs that will spawn animals, construct buildings, alter game settings, or interact with their personal agent. Here are the features of Microsoft MakeCode for Minecraft:

• Students can group their code into Chat Commands which they can call directly from the game.
• Once students have mastered drag-and-drop, block-based program construction, they can move into a full-featured JavaScript editor with code snippets, tooltips, and error detection to help them. Students can also switch back and forth between blocks and JavaScript as they make this transition.
• One of the things students and teachers most enjoy is building in Minecraft. Microsoft MakeCode gives you tools to automate builds that make creating a Pyramid, a House, or a Roller Coaster easy!
• Want to create a tunnel of diamonds, or print your name in the sky? No problem! With a few blocks/lines of code, it’s all possible.
• The real-time game command window shows you exactly what game commands are being issued from your code. “Slo-Mo” lets you slow your program execution down, and highlight which parts of your program are running.
• Did you create the most epic mod ever? Share with your friends via an anonymous URL that they can import and run from Microsoft MakeCode.

Learn more about it here.