“Kid’s Programming Language (KPL)” by Schwartz, Stagner and Morrison

In this paper, we introduce Kid’s Programming Language, or KPL. KPL is an integrated development environment (IDE) and programming language which are similar to but greatly simplified from current mainstream IDEs and languages. KPL is educational freeware. KPL was initially targeted at the 10-14 age group, but has proven to be engaging and interesting to beginning programmers and hobbyists of all ages. KPL offers a highly leveraged object model which emphasizes graphics programming, including 2D and 3D graphics. KPL intends to address the problem of declining computer science interest and enrollment by 1) making it easy for beginners to get started with computer programming, 2) capturing and holding beginners’ interest by emphasizing graphics and games programming and 3) enabling a smooth “graduation” from KPL into mainstream languages and IDEs.