C4K - Coding for Kids 4+

Good for basic coding principles

I'm using this to teach my 3 year old basic programming until he learns how to read. I've used this on my phone and my MacBook pro. I've completed the first set of excersizes and started the second. My review will reflect my experience for all modules on both devices.

Cons:
Repeating levels: Some of the latter levels are duplicates of earlier levels. I don't expect my 3 year old will notice, but I would like for him to be challenged just a little more as the levels progress.

Video tutorial: This is my biggest complaint. The tutorial at the start of each module is just a video with no way to pause it. The text goes by too fast for a kid to read it or for an adult to be able to read it to a kid. These should be interactive, walking kids through a basic coding excersize step by step. Baring that, they should let you pause them or step through them slowly. While I think the early modules are relatively self explanatory, I expect later modules to become more complex and hopefully to benefit from improved tutorials. I will rate this app 5 stars and update my review if this gets fixed.

Pros:
Simple: My three year old can do the early modules by himself. The hardest part for him is controlling the mouse.

Fun: My the year old will gladly do multiple lessons back to back with no complaints. He doesn't even realize he's learning.

Short: Each lesson only takes a minute or two. They're the perfect length for short attention spans.

Colorful: Bright colors definitely help keep my toddler's attention.

No reading: Other than the tutorials, there's no reading required. That's the biggest reason I chose this app over other services. I can easily explain the game to my son and he takes it from there. I'll likely move him to other things once he learns to read.

Single purchase: This is another big reason I chose this. I'm not a fan of subscription services. So a single affordable purchase was a great investment for my son's education.

Downloadable: Some coding courses are web apps requiring an internet connection to use them. The fact I can download all the lessons for offline use is extremely helpful when we're traveling.

Multiple devices: This app works on my iPhone, my MacBook Pro and my wife's iPad (and all three versions came with a single purchase). I don't believe it syncs progress across devices, but that's fine with me. I prefer for my son to do it with me on my laptop to avoid excessive screen time. There may be a way to sync progress across devices, but I haven't looked into that and I honestly prefer to keep the progress separate. This way, I can play ahead on the lessons so I'm ready to teach him the next module when he gets there.

Overall, this app meets my needs. I can use it to teach my son basic coding principles. The inadequate tutorials aren't a complete deal breaker for me, but I'm not sure if they're fine for everyone. Regardless, I will be recommending this app to other parents.