Cato's Hike

Cato's Hike is an excellent way to introduce anyone -child or adult- to the basic concepts and logic of computer programming. Through a fun "game," you learn the fundamental logical framework that forms the foundation of every program and every programming language. In playing with this app, you learn a computer language without even realizing it. Instead of using text "commands," you use symbols to program your character to accomplish her task. If you "get" the concepts presented in this game and master them, you're well on your way to being a "real" computer programmer for fun or profit. The program could be improved by integrating the tutorial into the gameplay levels, rather than by presenting all the concepts in the tutorial upfront. Nonetheless, this is a truly exceptional learning tool to introduce computer programming to anyone.

I bought this game thinking my kids (8 yr old girl and 13 yr old boy) would enjoy it. They do. But so do I! We are all wanting to play, and frequently all try to solve the levels together, or see the different decisions we made. I find some of the levels quite challenging. So challenging, in fact, that I desperately wish there was context sensitive help, or a hint button, or a sample solution/explanation. If they provide that, then 5 stars. But really, this "game" is awesome for anyone interesting in learning programming skills or seeing if they enjoy this sort of brain work.

I was just considering banging my head against the wall after reading 6 chapters or a book on programming. Now that I have Cato, I'm beginning to understand the overall logic of programming with out drowning in the endless and often peculiar details of a particular programming language. I still don't quite understand connectors (vs GOTO). As I'm a bit over 7 years old, I'd love to see a bit more guidance beyond where the tutorial ends. For example, tasks for the particular landscapes (cards to use or not use, a goal for the number of cards used, and then afterwards sample solutions).