Exploring Logo: Programming with a Turtle

Welcome to the world of Logo, a fun and visual way to learn programming! Logo is a beginner-friendly language where you control a “turtle” to draw shapes, patterns, and pictures. It’s a great tool for exploring programming concepts while creating something beautiful.

What is Logo?

Logo is a programming language designed to teach kids (and adults!) how to think logically and creatively. You write commands to move a turtle around the screen, drawing as it goes.

Key Features:

Visual Feedback: Instantly see the results of your code.
Simple Commands: Easy-to-understand instructions like “forward” and “turn.”
Creative Fun: Make patterns, shapes, and even animations.

Example Playground:

Try Logo online at Turtle Academy, a free Logo playground where you can experiment with commands.

A Personal Story: Drawing the Olympic Rings

When I was 10 years old, I discovered Logo and was instantly hooked. I remember spending hours writing a program to draw the Olympic rings. I carefully calculated the positions and colors, making the turtle draw each circle perfectly. It was the first time I realized how powerful and fun programming could be—it wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about creating something meaningful and beautiful.

That sense of wonder is what I hope you’ll feel as you start exploring Logo.

Getting Started with Logo

Basic Commands

Here are some common Logo commands to get you started:

FD <number>: Move the turtle forward by a specified number of steps.
BK <number>: Move the turtle backward.
RT <angle>: Turn the turtle right by a specified angle.
LT <angle>: Turn the turtle left by a specified angle.
PU: Lift the pen up (stop drawing).
PD: Put the pen down (start drawing).

Example 1: Drawing a Square

Here’s how you can draw a square in Logo:

PD
REPEAT 4 [FD 100 RT 90]

This tells the turtle to:

Put the pen down.
Repeat these steps 4 times:
- Move forward 100 steps.
- Turn right by 90 degrees.

Example 2: Drawing a Star

Let’s make something more creative—a star:

PD
REPEAT 5 [FD 150 RT 144]

Why 144 degrees? It’s the magic angle that makes the turtle form a star!

Challenge: Create Your Own Artwork

Now it’s your turn! Use the commands above to:

Draw your name using straight lines.
Create a simple house with a square for the base and a triangle for the roof.
Design your own unique pattern or picture.

Take a screenshot of your artwork and share it with us—let’s see your creativity!

Wrapping Up

Logo is a playful way to learn programming concepts while letting your imagination run wild. Whether you’re drawing shapes, writing your name, or designing intricate patterns, you’re building the skills to think like a programmer.

Head over to Turtle Academy and start exploring! Share your creations, and stay tuned for more fun programming adventures!

Exploring Logo - Programming with a Turtle