Chrome Can: Coding on a Chromebook!

Many people think it is not possible to code on a Chromebook.  This post sets out to prove this thought wrong. Because there are various levels of coding. I will begin by discussing applications that work on a Chromebook for younger children, then older students and finally for adults and those who want to code for a living.  

Clearing the Myth

You can code on a Chromebook.  Many of the discussions on line will lead you to beleive that you need to install Linux on your Chromebook to enable the ability to code.  For many coders, this is the best route to go.  Installing Linux on Chromebooks used to be a convoluted process and one that was taken by technical folks.  However, Linux can now be installed easily on Chromebooks.  

I however, don’t want to have you thinking that this is the only way to code on a Chromebook because it is entirely possible to code in Chrome OS.  In fact a Reddit User PinkyThe Pig wrote a response to a feed that shows it is possible. 

As stated in the above response there is a code editor available on the Chrome Web Store called Caret.  Below I will be introducing these types of applications and other cloud-based applications for those who want to get into serious coding. 

Coding for Elementary School

There are several programs available to help you out when wanting to teach your younger students to code.  One of my favorites is Scratch Jr. Scratch Jr. is available on iOS, Chrome, and Android and can be used to teach students the basics of problem-solving and computational thinking. Using Scratch Jr. with your students also gives them a chance to build simple algorithms and learn about the thought processes involved with writing a program. 

For older students, I suggest Coding with Chrome by Google.  According to the developers of this app “Coding with Chrome is a Google project to provide an easy-to-use coding/programming environment (IDE) within the Chrome browser that even works offline. Currently, users are able to create programs using Blockly, Coffeescript, HTML, Javascript and Python with output to Logo Turtle and/or connected toys such as the Sphero, mBot and Lego Mindstorms.”  This application is fantastic to use with robots and can be used for students at various levels of comfort and skill. 

Online IDEs and Coding from Anywhere

Coders typically work in and integrated development environment (IDE)  These IDEs used to be only accessible on operating systems where software could be installed (i.e. Windows, Mac and Linux).  However, things are changing!  Coding is now something you can do anywhere, on any device because of the use of web-based IDE.  There are many web-based solutions available for programmers to use.  What makes these better than the traditional IDE is that collaboration with a distributed team is now possible.  Below you will find links to various cloud-based IDEs.  Each offer various subscriptions depending on your needs. 

https://codeanywhere.com/ 

 https://coder.com/  

https://aws.amazon.com/cloud9/?origin=c9io

As you can see, the Chromebook is a very capable device for even developers to use.  Coding is not the only STEM type of work that can be done on a Chromebook.  If you are interested in learning more about STEM on a Chromebook, please read my blog post titled Chrome Can: S.T.E.M.  

It is time to take Chromebooks seriously.  They are just as capable as other computers and are great for students as well as professionals.  They will continue to change and progress with time and soon all computer companies follow in the Chromebooks footsteps. 

Thanks for reading

Dr. Shannon H. Doak