Hamstroid

The hamster model (www.java-hamster-modell.de) is to learn a didactic model for programming. Novice programmers develop programs in which they control a virtual hamster through a virtual landscape and solved the tasks set. The hamster model trains in particular algorithmic thinking.

For hamster model, there is a tool called Hamster simulator can be developed and executed with the hamster programs. The hamster simulator can be run on any computer for which a Java Platform Standard Edition - is available - just JavaSE. For smartphones unfortunately this is not the case. This gap is called Hamstroid Cruises - short Hamstroid - close. This is an Android app that allows Android smartphone to develop hamster programs and test. It supports smartphones (and tablets) with Android 4.0 or higher. Programming is not textual, but using a visual programming language (see http://scratch.mit.edu/) is based on the visual language of the Scratch environment. The model for the general structure of such app served the app Pocket code (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.catrobat.catroid).

Hamstroid should not replace but complement the hamster simulator. It is intended for situations where you have just a little time and desire to employ learning to program with, but a computer or laptop is not available, eg. On the bus or train or during a break in between. So the next time engage in such situations for smartphone and play or "rumdaddeln" want to keep maybe just for a moment: Actually, I could do something more meaningful and a bit of "hoarding" with Hamstroid, too.