Scratch Cat

Scratch Cat as of 3.0

The Scratch Cat is the mascot of Scratch, a visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten Group. Scratch is a popular platform designed primarily for children aged 8 to 16 to learn coding concepts and develop creative projects like animations, games, and interactive stories. The Scratch Cat serves as a friendly character to welcome new users and is often the default sprite, or character, used in many introductory projects. The Scratch programming environment uses a drag-and-drop interface where users can snap together blocks of code to control the Scratch Cat and other sprites.

## History

The history of Scratch and its mascot, the Scratch Cat, is intertwined with the development of Scratch as a programming language and educational tool. Here's an overview of its history:

1. Origin of Scratch (Early 2000s): Scratch was developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. The project was led by Mitchel Resnick and was a part of a broader initiative to develop new technologies to engage people, especially children, in creative learning experiences.
2. Scratch Cat's Introduction: The Scratch Cat, a simple, friendly orange cat, was introduced as the default character in Scratch projects. It was designed to be easily recognizable and appealing to children, embodying the playful and exploratory spirit of the Scratch programming environment.
3. Launch of Scratch (2007): Scratch 1.0 was publicly released in 2007. It introduced a user-friendly, block-based programming language which allowed users to create interactive stories, games, and animations. The Scratch Cat became a central figure in this environment, often being the first sprite new users would interact with.
4. Continued Development and Versions: Since its launch, Scratch has seen several major updates:
	* Scratch 2.0 (2013): Introduced a web-based platform, allowing for easier access and collaboration. The Scratch Cat continued to be a key part of the interface and tutorials.
	* Scratch 3.0 (2019): This update brought enhanced features, a more intuitive interface, and compatibility with more devices, including tablets. The Scratch Cat's presence was maintained as a familiar element for users.
5. Global Impact and Community: Over the years, Scratch has grown into a global phenomenon. It's not just a programming language but a vast online community where children can share projects, learn from each other, and collaborate. The Scratch Cat, as the mascot, has become a symbol of this community-oriented, creative approach to learning and programming.
6. Educational Influence: Scratch and the Scratch Cat have significantly influenced how programming is taught to young learners. It has introduced millions of children worldwide to the concepts of coding in an engaging and accessible way.
7. Cultural and Creative Expressions: The Scratch Cat, while a simple character, has been remixed, reimagined, and used in countless Scratch projects, demonstrating the platform's emphasis on creativity and exploration.

The history of Scratch and its mascot reflects a broader trend in educational technology, emphasizing accessibility, creativity, and community learning.