Apple introduced an iPad app at its developer conference this week, which it hopes will make learning to code easy for anyone.
Called Swift Playgrounds, the app has an interactive interface that encourages beginners to explore working with Swift, Apple's programming language. Swift is used to create Apple apps.
The programming lessons in the app allow students to write code by guiding onscreen characters through a graphical world, solving puzzles and mastering challenges as they learn core coding concepts.
"I wish Swift Playgrounds was around when I was first learning to code," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior VP of software engineering.
"Swift Playgrounds is the only app of its kind that is both easy enough for students and beginners, yet powerful enough to write real code. It's an innovative way to bring real coding concepts to life and empower the next generation with the skills they need to express their creativity."
The programming lessons teach core coding concepts, such as issuing commands, creating functions, performing loops and using conditional code and variables.
Apple says it will regularly release new standalone challenges. Educators and developers can also use Xcode to create their own unique challenges for the app.
Projects can be exported directly to Xcode to create programs for iOS and macOS that Apple says can ultimately be turned into full-fledged apps.
A preview release of Swift Playgrounds is available now to Apple Developer Programme members and to the public in beta version in July. The final version of Swift Playgrounds will be available in the App Store for free by the end of this year.
It is compatible with all iPad Air and iPad Pro models, also the iPad Mini 2 and later, running iOS 10.
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