Some Scratchers may be aware that there is a block that looks like this

(letter () of [])

This block reports the first letter of the item in the second box.

However, it also works with numbers

and other characters.


Why not change it to

character () of [] :: operators :: reporter

as it shows that this block is not solely restricted to letters.

This may be a good addition in terms of clarity; it does get confusing. Just asking, are there any problems with how it is now in terms of functionality?

support… ?

bump

support, this will make things less confusing, as the first time I used that block I thought it is only restricted to letters

Support, numbers and symbols aren't letters.

bump

bump

%10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 support!.

Vaibhs11 wrote:

support… ?

enochx wrote:

%10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 support!.

be constructive

bump

Bump

Ihatr wrote:

Bump

quit necrobumping support because we don't want the numbers and special characters to feel discriminated against

stupid post I made

gosoccerboy5 wrote:

Semi support. I see how this would improve clarity and stuff, but it doesn't seem like it would, well, revolutionize Scratch.

A feature doesn't need to be a revolution, it should be changed for the sake of clarification.

Ihatr wrote:

gosoccerboy5 wrote:

Semi support. I see how this would improve clarity and stuff, but it doesn't seem like it would, well, revolutionize Scratch.

A feature doesn't need to be a revolution, it should be changed for the sake of clarification.

Very true. Support in that case.

I think the developers had clear intentions on why they named the block that way. “Character” is a term most children are unfamiliar with except with the element in storytelling*. While numbers and symbols aren't letters, it's already clear what the block does to most: it returns the nth letter of a word or string, even if there is some ambiguity on whether it works with numbers or symbols, which a simple test of the block clears.

A simple test might not immediately show what the block does to those unfamiliar with the word character. If you don't know what character means, there is no simple intuition on what the block does. Everyone knows that words are comprised of letters, and anyone who has spelled a word knows letters can be and have to be ordered sequentially.

*And no, I don't think anyone will confuse “letter” for a personal piece of mail sent to someone!

fdreerf wrote:

I think the developers had clear intentions on why they named the block that way. “Character” is a term most children are unfamiliar with except with the element in storytelling. While numbers and symbols aren't letters, it's already clear what the block does to most: it returns the nth letter of a word or string, even if there is some ambiguity on whether it works with numbers or symbols, which a simple test of the block clears.

A simple test might not immediately show what the block does to those unfamiliar with the word character. If you don't know what character means, there is no simple intuition on what the block does.

but letter makes me say ewwwwww

portalpower wrote:

but letter makes me say ewwwwww

Ah, crud, you're right. Everything I have said is now null and void due to this argument. I admit defeat and concede now; you have won!

fdreerf wrote:

portalpower wrote:

but letter makes me say ewwwwww

Ah, crud, you're right. Everything I have said is now null and void due to this argument. I admit defeat and concede now; you have won!

why did I just die laughing from that[/offtopic]