BLOFT: Helping Students Bridge the Gap from Block Coding to Swift

Super proud that my new App, BLOFT, is now available on the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/bloft/id6760173706

Learning to code often begins with block-based environments. They’re visual, intuitive, and a fantastic way for students to understand the fundamentals of programming. But eventually learners need to make the transition to text-based languages such as Swift. That step can feel like a big leap.

BLOFT is a new app now available on the iPadOS and macOS App Store, designed to make that transition easier and more meaningful for students.

The goal of BLOFT is simple: help learners see the direct relationship between block code and Swift code.

A Visual Pathway from Blocks to Swift

With BLOFT, students work in a familiar block-based coding environment while simultaneously discovering how those blocks translate into real Swift code.

Inside the app, students can:

• Drag block code into a workspace to build their program
• Edit block parameters to control actions and behaviours
• Preview and run their code instantly in a built-in preview screen
• Copy the generated Swift code directly into Swift Playgrounds without errors

This approach allows students to experiment visually while also building confidence with the syntax and structure of Swift.

Understanding What the Code Is Doing

One of the most powerful aspects of BLOFT is how it exposes the thinking behind the code.

As blocks are assembled, the app generates the equivalent Swift code. Students can then:

• See exactly how block actions translate into Swift
• Read helpful // comments in the generated code explaining what each section does
• Understand the structure of real Swift programs

Rather than jumping abruptly from blocks to text, students begin to recognise patterns and connections between the two.

Continuing the Learning Journey

After copying the generated code into Swift Playgrounds, students can continue experimenting by:

• Editing the Swift code
• Changing Lofty’s movements and behaviour
• Modifying appearance and interactions
• Iterating and testing new ideas

This encourages students to move beyond simply assembling blocks and begin thinking like programmers.

Supporting the Next Step in Coding

Block coding environments are an excellent starting point. BLOFT is designed to be the next step, helping learners move toward authentic coding experiences with Swift while keeping the process approachable and creative.

For teachers working within Apple’s coding ecosystem, BLOFT provides a practical way to help students connect visual programming with real-world development skills.

The result is a smoother pathway from blocks → Swift → building real apps.