Young programmers explore imagination in Xi'an

As a highlight of the Second Global Programmers Festival, a mini programming contest for children under the age of twelve was held in Xi'an Technology Park, Shaanxi province, on Sept 15.

The contest aimed to provide a stage for children wanting to showcase their programming talents, as well as to create an opportunity to pass down programming skills from one generation to another.

Eighty-nine children signed up for the contest. The 30 final winners will each receive a "Torch" award and 2000 yuan ($288).

Under the guidance of parents and teachers, young programmers used their imagination and creativity to make up for their lack of experience.

"They're different from complicated programs developed by adults; our work is comparatively simpler," said a young contestant, "After two semester's study, I am very interested in programming and eager to learn more in the future."

Parents were there to help the young programmers, especially during the interactive sections.

"It's of great importance to pick up a good extracurricular class for children," said a parent. "Millennials grow up playing with computers, phones and other smart gadgets. It's necessary to guide them in the right direction."

Programming can improve children's abilities in logical thinking, observation and imagination.

The programming contest mascot. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Young contestants pose together. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]