Have you ever wanted to create your own app? With App Lab, you can start designing your app’s screens and elements from scratch using something called Design Mode. It’s super easy! Just use the switch at the top of your app to enter Design Mode. Once you’re in, you can add new elements by dragging them onto the screen. You can move them around to different spots and even change their size by dragging the bottom right corner.
When you want to change how an element looks, use the controls on the right side of the screen. For example, you can change a button’s text, color, and font size. When you add a new element, it gets a generic ID like “button1.” It’s a smart idea to rename this ID to something more descriptive, like “rightButton,” so you can easily find it in your code later.
If you accidentally add an element you don’t want, just drag it out or press delete. You can also add new screens to your app by dragging in a screen element. There’s a drop-down menu at the top that lets you switch between the screens you’ve created quickly.
In your app, you’ll need a way to move from one screen to another. That’s where the “setScreen” block comes in handy. You can use “setScreen” inside the “onEvent” block to change screens with just a click of a button. This makes your app interactive and fun to use!
In the upcoming levels, you’ll work on a single project. First, you’ll add a button to your app. Then, you’ll create a new screen. Finally, you’ll write some code to make the button switch to the new screen. It’s a great way to learn how to build apps step by step!
Imagine an app you would love to create. Use App Lab’s Design Mode to sketch out the main screen of your app. Drag and drop elements like buttons, text boxes, and images onto the screen. Think about the layout and how users will interact with your app. Share your design with a classmate and explain your choices.
Pick three different elements on your app screen and customize them. Change their text, color, and size using the controls on the right side of the screen. Rename each element with a descriptive ID. Once you’re done, present your customized elements to the class and explain why you chose those specific customizations.
Practice managing your app elements by adding and removing elements quickly. Create a new screen and switch between screens using the drop-down menu. Time yourself to see how fast you can organize your app’s screens and elements. Challenge a friend to see who can do it faster!
Use the “setScreen” block to make your app interactive. Create a button on your main screen that, when clicked, switches to a new screen. Write the necessary code inside the “onEvent” block. Test your app to ensure the screen switch works smoothly. Demonstrate your interactive app to the class.
Follow the steps to build your first app project. Add a button, create a new screen, and write code to switch between screens. Once your project is complete, share it with a partner and provide feedback on each other’s work. Discuss what you learned and what you would like to improve in your app.
To build your own apps, you’ll need to start designing screens and elements from scratch. App Lab makes this easy with Design Mode. Use the switch at the top of your app to enter design mode. You can add new elements by dragging them onto the screen, move them around to different locations, and change their size by dragging the bottom right corner.
To modify an element’s properties, use the controls on the right. For example, you can easily change a button’s text, color, and font size. When you add a new element to your screen, it will receive a generic ID like “button1.” It’s a good idea to change this ID to something more meaningful, like “rightButton,” so you can easily identify it in your code.
If you accidentally add an element to your app, simply drag it out or hit delete. You can also add entirely new screens to your app by dragging in a screen element. From the drop-down menu at the top, you can quickly switch between the screens you create.
Inside your app, you’ll need a way to navigate between these screens, so the “setScreen” block has been added to the toolbox. Use “setScreen” within the “onEvent” block to change screens with the click of a button. In the next few levels, you’ll be working on a single project. First, you’ll add a button, then a new screen, and finally, you’ll write code to make the button switch to the new screen.
App – A software application that can be run on a computer or mobile device. – I downloaded a new app on my tablet to help me learn how to code.
Design – The process of planning and creating something, like a website or app, to make it look and work well. – We learned how to design a simple game in our computer class today.
Elements – Basic parts or components that make up a computer program or webpage. – The webpage’s elements include text, images, and links.
Screen – The display area of a computer or device where information is shown. – I adjusted the brightness of my screen to make it easier to read the code.
Button – A clickable element in a program or webpage that performs an action when pressed. – I added a button to my app that plays a sound when clicked.
Code – A set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer what to do. – We wrote code in Python to create a simple calculator.
Customize – To change something to make it fit personal preferences or needs. – I customized the colors of my website to match my favorite shades.
Project – A task or assignment that involves creating something using coding or technology. – Our final project for the class was to build a small website about our favorite hobby.
Interactive – Allowing a user to engage with and control elements in a program or app. – The interactive quiz we made in class lets users choose their answers and see their scores immediately.
Drag – To click and hold an object on the screen and move it to a different location. – I used the mouse to drag the image to the other side of the screen in my design program.
