The idea of a machine that follows instructions is hardly new. The ancient Greeks made the Antikythera mechanism, a clockwork device used to track and forecast celestial events that some compare to a mechanical computer. In 1206 Al-Jazari made 'automata'; programmable machines controlled by revolving wooden drums with pegs. His creations including a boat with automatic musicians delighted royal parties. Much more recently in 1801 pasteboard punched cards were used to control the Jacquard loom making automated pattern weaving possible. Punched cards were also the principal early method used to provide instructions (programs) to a computer.

Programming nowadays uses instructions written in 'languages' that include a few English words like 'if', 'then', 'while', but with a very precise structure and including special characters such as % and $. A good introduction to the logical way that computer programs have to be written is to install 'Scratch'; a free Windows programming application from MIT, available to download. With Scratch you can program animations and games.

Get instructions and tips on using Scratch or download a pdf that includes what you should learn in your first session with the Scratch software.

Once you have found your way around you might like to try making a game!