Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy CodeBug in my country?

CodeBug is available all around the world! To find your local outlet, click here.

Where can I buy ColourStars and GlowBugs?

Please visit our Shop to buy direct or find links to your local outlet.

My CodeBug is broken, can I get a replacement?

To get a replacement CodeBug, you must contact the seller you bought the item from.

What does this block do?

For an overview of what each CodeBug Blockly block does, click here.

Are the CodeBug programming blocks available in my language?

The CodeBug programming blocks have been translated into more than 10 languages. To check if your language is supported, click on the drop down menu on the right of the Create page. CodeBug is translated by volunteers from our wonderful user community. If your language is not supported or there are mistakes in a translation, please contact us and consider helping us translate CodeBug.

What does sprite mean?

A sprite is a name that describes an image or animation in computer graphics. To display a pattern or a character on CodeBug you can create a sprite. Learn more about using sprites with CodeBug on the block help page.

For more information and the fascinating history of sprites try the wikipedia sprite page.

What is the code viewer for?

The code viewer allows you to see what your code would look like if it had been written in JavaScript, rather than using the blocks. It gives you a taster of what the next steps in your programming journey could look like!

Why can't I edit the code in code viewer?

Blockly is a very simple programming language. It is perfect for beginners, because it will not allow you to connect blocks that do not fit together. The JavaScript in the code viewer is a lot less restricted and so editing it would mean that your program would no longer be able to be represented by Blockly.

I've clicked on the code viewer before, but when I go back it hasn't updated.

Simply click on the code viewer tab again to refresh the code.

How can I embed the project editor on my website?

Click the share button on the project page to embed our CodeBug project editor on your website. Embedded usage of the project editor is subject to daily access quotas and rate limitations. If you think your site may be a heavy user, please contact us.

What can I do with a CodeBug?

There are oodles of different projects and fun activities that you can do with CodeBug, from making a fruit keyboard to creating a steady hand game. For ideas and help getting started, visit our activities page.

Why isn't my CodeBug appearing as a USB drive?

Some USB cables are power only and therefore will not program CodeBug. Make sure you are using a data-USB cable to connect CodeBug to your computer

How do I program my CodeBug with a battery in it?

You will have to reset your CodeBug in order to put it into programming mode. To do this: hold down both buttons A and B for 10 seconds, then release button B, then release button A.

How do I transfer my program to CodeBug?

Visit the transferring to CodeBug instructions for detailed instructions for most browsers and operating systems.

What is a remixed project?

Remixing allows you to take someone else's project and adapt it. Because it is based on someone else's work, the title of the project will acknowledge the source. The word remix comes originally from the music industry when the master recordings used to create a record were remixed to create a different sound from the same source material.

What should I call my project?

Anything you like (within reason!). If you are making your program public (listed), it's best to use a title that will indicate to other users what it is meant to do. When naming your program, please remember that children do use this site and be respectful of others.

What is a wearable? What is wearable tech?

Technology has shrunk to the point that you can wear it on your body and clothes. We are only just seeing the possibilities of what it can do. FitBit is a commercial example of wearable technology (often just called a 'wearable' for short) that senses the movement of your body to record exercise and fitness. We created CodeBug to allow anyone to make their own wearables and invent new products. Read what school children created with their CodeBugs in our wearables competition.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things makes use of tiny computers and network communications to allow everyday items to talk to the Internet. It could be a fridge that re-orders food, or a lamp post that sends an email when its bulb needs changing. CodeBug is the first step in creating an IoT device; what 'thing' could you put a CodeBug in to make it smarter?

People talk about Big Data to discover new insights by gather huge amount of data and then analysing it. It is hoped data gathered by IoT devices will reveal new patterns to make our lives better. Since the technology is so new, we need people that understand what you can do with IoT and Big Data. CodeBug helps youngsters imagine, develop and build the technology of the future.

What is physical computing?

Physical computing is all about making computers interact with the real world. Most importantly it's about having more fun with computers by using them beyond the keyboard and screen. You might make a motor move, control a model or detect something happening with a switch or sensor.

When most people think of a computer, they think of a machine with a keyboard and screen, but the majority of computers in the world are embedded in devices, such as mobile-phones, set-top boxes, fitness trackers, heating controllers and even cars. As CodeBug is a little computer, by creating fun physical computing projects with it, we want more people to realise the power and versatility of embedded computers.

Can I teach with CodeBug?

Of course! CodeBug was designed to get kids into coding and physical computing and it is perfect for use in the classroom. There are classroom sets available, and look out for our dedicated teaching resources.

I am teaching a class and the students don't have email addresses, how do I register accounts for them?

We are currently working on a system to make this very easy. In the meantime we would recommend registering multiple accounts with one email address instead of the students logging into the same CodeBug account.

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