Block-based programming approach: challenges and benefits

Block-based programming approach is a combination of component-based programming approach with end-user programming paradigm that considered being more advanced and easier to use in practice. The aim of this paper is to discuss the benefits that block-based programming approach will be contributed to the community and the challenges that have to be solved in this new environment. In this paper, we introduce several previous good examples of applications that have been developed by using block-based programming approach. The examples are evaluated and compared in term of their development speed, design quality, usability, reusability, block customization, user acceptance, application platform and range of users. Finally, based on the evaluation and comparison, important challenges and benefits are specified and discussed.