Code Kit vs Ardublockly: Choosing the Right Visual Programming Tool for Arduino

Are you looking for a visual programming tool to make Arduino development more accessible? If so, you’ve likely come across two options: Code Kit and Ardublockly.

While these tools might seem similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes in today’s maker ecosystem. Understanding these differences is crucial to selecting the right platform for your projects, classroom, or makerspace.

Let’s explore how Code Kit and Ardublockly compare across six critical dimensions:

1. User Experience
2. Block Library and Hardware Support
3. Education Features
4. Code Generation
5. Installation
6. Support & Updates

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why Code Kit is the preferred choice for visual Arduino programming, offering an easier interface, more block options, and regular updates, while Ardublockly, though valuable when it was released, appears to be no longer actively developed.

Visual Programming Tools: The Key Difference

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify the fundamental difference between these two platforms.

Ardublockly was created as a basic block-based interface for Arduino programming. It was one of the early attempts to make Arduino more accessible through visual programming, but development stalled years ago, leaving users with an increasingly outdated tool.

Code Kit, on the other hand, is a modern, actively developed platform designed from the ground up to support both beginners and professionals. It provides a comprehensive visual programming environment that grows with you, from simple block-based programming to advanced features that bridge the gap to professional development.

This core difference affects everything from ease of use to future-proofing your projects. Now, let’s break down each aspect in detail.

User Experience

Code Kit: Modern, Intuitive, and Actively Maintained

The standout feature of Code Kit is that it just works. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, Code Kit offers:

• Multiple access options: Free web app plus desktop applications for Windows and macOS
• Visual richness: Color-coded block categories that make identification intuitive
• Educational features: Ability to toggle block categories to prevent overwhelming beginners
• Regular updates: Continuous improvements, bug fixes, and new features
• Modern interface: Clean, responsive design that works on various screen sizes

Ardublockly: A Classic Approach, With Bugs

Ardublockly, while once innovative, now suffers from numerous issues:

• Abandoned development: No meaningful updates since 2018
• Known bug backlog: Over 100 unresolved issues on GitHub
• Installation headaches: macOS application triggers security warnings
• IDE dependency: Requires separate Arduino IDE installation and configuration
• Unintuitive interface: Text-only labels without visual cues for block identification

Verdict: Code Kit is clearly superior for ease of use and maintenance. If you value your time and want a platform that will continue to work reliably, Code Kit is the obvious choice.

Block Library and Hardware Support

Code Kit: Comprehensive and Growing

Code Kit’s extensive library includes:

• 150+ specialized blocks covering everything from basic functions to advanced components
• Pre-built blocks for I²C displays, NeoPixel arrays, motor controllers, and more
• Abstracted complexity: Complex underlying code is handled automatically
• Sensor integration: Ultrasonic sensors, encoders, color sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes
• Display support: LCD displays, OLED displays, LED matrices
• Motor control: Servo motors, DC motors, stepper motors
• Variable pin numbers: Ability to set pin numbers using variables for flexible configurations

Ardublockly: Basic Blocks, Limited Hardware Support

Ardublockly offers only basic blocks with:

• Minimal component support: Limited integration with modern hardware
• Manual coding required: Many common components need custom block development
• No variable pin setting: Pin configurations are static
• Limited abstraction: Users must handle complex underlying code themselves

Verdict: Code Kit’s extensive block library makes complex projects accessible to everyone. The breadth and depth of Code Kit’s block library dramatically reduces the learning curve for working with advanced hardware components.

Education Features

Code Kit: Built for Learning and Teaching

Code Kit excels in educational environments with:

• Classroom management: Educational dashboard for teachers to manage students and projects
• Cloud storage: Students can save projects and access them from any device
• Real-time code generation: Students see C++ code generated as they build with blocks
• Clean interface: Focused view that minimizes distractions
• Classroom monitoring: Teachers can access student projects and track progress

Ardublockly: No Dedicated Classroom Features

Ardublockly provides:

• Basic code view: Shows generated code but includes unnecessary XML view
• No classroom management: No features for educational settings
• No student tracking: No way to monitor progress across multiple users
• No cloud storage: Projects must be manually saved and transferred

Verdict: Code Kit is the only viable choice for educational settings. With built-in classroom management features and a learning-focused interface, Code Kit offers everything educators need to teach Arduino programming effectively.

Code Generation

Code Kit: Instant Output with Unique Features

Code Kit stands out with:

• Clean, functional code: Generated code follows professional style guidelines
• Bidirectional conversion: Unique BlockMorph feature converts existing code to blocks
• Smooth transition path: Facilitates the journey from blocks to text-based programming
• Professional workflow integration: Bridges visual and text-based programming worlds

Ardublockly: Basic Code Generation Only

Ardublockly offers:

• Simple code generation: Creates basic Arduino C++ code
• One-way conversion: Can only go from blocks to code, not vice versa
• No comment structure: Generated code lacks helpful comments
• No professional transition path: Limited capability for advancing skills

Verdict: Code Kit uniquely bridges the gap between visual and text programming. The BlockMorph feature alone makes Code Kit invaluable for users looking to grow their programming skills or leverage existing code.

Installation

Code Kit: Instant Access with Zero Friction

Code Kit eliminates common deployment challenges:

• Zero-install web version: Launch instantly in any modern browser
• Single-file desktop app: Simple installation with no dependencies
• Offline functionality: Work without internet connection
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works identically across devices
• No configuration needed: Ready to use out of the box

Ardublockly: Complex Setup Process

Ardublockly requires:

• Multi-step installation: Download from GitHub, install Python, install Arduino IDE
• Manual configuration: Set up paths and connections between components
• Technical knowledge: Understanding of programming environments
• Troubleshooting skills: Often needs workarounds to function

Verdict: Code Kit removes all barriers to getting started. The difference between instantly accessing Code Kit and spending hours configuring Ardublockly cannot be overstated.

Support & Updates

Code Kit: Active Community and Clear Roadmap

Code Kit offers:

• Responsive support team: Help when you need it
• Integrated knowledge base: Resources to answer common questions
• Example project library: One-click access to sample projects
• Regular updates: New features and improvements

Ardublockly: Stagnant Development

Ardublockly suffers from:

• No active development: The last update was in 2018
• Fragmented community: Various incompatible forks
• No central support: No dedicated help resources
• Uncertain future: No planned improvements or updates
• Compatibility issues: Growing problems with modern systems

Verdict: Code Kit benefits from active development and a clear roadmap, offering users confidence in its future and ongoing support. Ardublockly’s stagnant development and lack of official support are significant long-term risks.

The Bottom Line: Which Platform Is Right for You?

While Ardublockly remains a free but limited tool for Arduino block coding, Code Kit’s expansive block library, active development, and strong educational focus make it the definitive choice for 2025 and beyond.

Why Code Kit Wins Every Time:

• More intuitive: User-friendly interface with color-coded blocks
• More capable: Extensive block library for advanced projects
• More educational: Built-in classroom management features
• More professional: Clean code generation with bidirectional conversion
• More accessible: Zero-install web app and simple desktop application
• More future-proof: Active development and clear roadmap
• More supported: Responsive team and integrated resources

For educators: Choose Code Kit to future-proof your STEM program.

For makers: Start with Code Kit’s free tier and skip the frustrating setup process.

For professionals: Save time and build more advanced projects with Code Kit’s powerful features.

Don’t get left behind with outdated tools. Join thousands of makers and educators who’ve already made the switch to Code Kit.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Stop fighting with outdated tools. Start creating with Code Kit.

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