Bidirectional translation between text-based and block-based programming languages in the Logo tradition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55630/mem.2026.55.117-125Keywords:
turtle, robot, programming, logo, geometryAbstract
This article presents a free and open-source, minimal implementation of bidirectional translation between text and blocks for a subset of Berkeley Logo, designed for programming turtle robots in mathematics and informatics explorations. The robots are intended to be assembled by students using off-the-shelf electronic components. The programming environment is web-based and can also be used offline. It supports switching between two editing modes – blocks and text – and four turtle-geometry commands: FORWARD and BACK (for relative translation), LEFT and RIGHT (for relative rotation). Its purpose is to provide a foundation for more advanced implementations that build on the blocks–text translation and can also be applied to projects beyond turtle geometry. Blocks mode is easier for beginners, particularly on touchscreen devices, while text mode offers greater flexibility. Switching between modes allows students to work in the way best suited to their skill level and device.
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