From Code.org Game Lab to CodeGuppy - A student guide

So you've been using Code.org Game Lab and you're getting pretty good at it. You can create sprites, make animations, and maybe you've even built a game or two. That's awesome! But you might be starting to feel like Game Lab is holding you back. You want to do more — build bigger games, create cooler effects, and write code that feels more like what real developers write.

Good news: codeguppy.com is your next step, and the transition is way easier than you think.

You already know more than you think

Here's a secret: if you've been coding in Code.org Game Lab, you've already been learning JavaScript. And codeguppy.com uses JavaScript too — just a more complete version of it. Most of what you know transfers directly.

Check out how similar things are:

Drawing a circle in Game Lab:

ellipse(200, 200, 50, 50);

Drawing a circle on codeguppy.com:

ellipse(200, 200, 50, 50);

Yep, it's exactly the same! And it's not just circles. Most drawing commands — rect(), line(), fill(), stroke(), background() — work the same way on both platforms.

What's cooler on CodeGuppy

Tons of built-in characters

Remember how in Game Lab you had to upload images or use the basic animation tab? On codeguppy.com, there are built-in characters, tiles, and backgrounds ready to use. Just use:

let hero = sprite("adventure_girl", 400, 300);

And your character appears on screen. It's that simple.

Build games with multiple levels

On codeguppy.com, you can create games with real levels — a title screen, level 1, level 2, a game-over screen — all in one project. Each level (called a "scene") has its own code, which keeps things organized as your games get bigger.

A bigger canvas

Code.org Game Lab gives you a 400x400 pixel canvas. codeguppy.com gives you an 800x600 canvas — that's three times more space! More room means more detailed scenes, bigger game worlds, and more creative freedom.

More creative tools

codeguppy.com also comes with turtle graphics, advanced drawing functions, and math helpers — there's a lot to explore once you're comfortable with the basics.

Your first project on CodeGuppy

Here's a quick project to try right now. Open codeguppy.com, start a new project, and type this:

background("navy");

for (let i = 0; i < 100; i++)
{
    let x = random(0, 800);
    let y = random(0, 600);
    let size = random(1, 4);

    fill("white");
    noStroke();
    circle(x, y, size);
}

fill("yellow");
circle(650, 80, 60);

fill("green");
rect(0, 500, 800, 100);

You just created a night scene with stars, a moon, and grass — using commands you already know from Game Lab!

Tips for making the switch

  1. Don't worry about being perfect. You'll make typos and get error messages. That's normal. Read the error message, fix the typo, and keep going.

  2. Explore the example projects. codeguppy.com has tons of projects you can open and study. See how other people write code and borrow ideas for your own projects.

  3. Start by remixing. Open a project you like, change some values, add new features, and make it your own. This is a great way to learn.

  4. Use the built-in assets. The sprite and background library is one of the best features. Browse through it and let the characters inspire your next game idea.

  5. Have fun. Seriously. The best way to learn is to build things you think are cool.

What's next?

Once you're comfortable on codeguppy.com, you'll have real JavaScript skills that you can take anywhere — building websites, creating apps, or even moving to more advanced tools. The code you write on codeguppy.com is real code, and the skills you build are real skills.

Head over to codeguppy.com and start building!

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About codeguppy

CodeGuppy is a FREE coding platform for schools and independent learners. If you don't have yet an account with codeguppy.com, you can start by visiting the registration page and sign-up for a free account. Registered users can access tons of fun projects!

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