Cato's Hike

Cato's Hike

A Programming & Logic Odyssey

48 ratings
25 reviews
$5.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • November 8, 2012
  • May 11, 2025
Cato's Hike screenshot #1 for iPhone
Cato's Hike screenshot #2 for iPhone
Cato's Hike screenshot #3 for iPhone
Cato's Hike screenshot #4 for iPhone
Cato's Hike screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

Embark on a programming adventure where you guide a young boy through a new world by creating programs. Learn fundamental coding concepts like loops and branches through engaging puzzles and a visual interface. Create and share your own challenges with a powerful map editor.

Visual programming interface with cards
Introduction to loops, branches, and memory
60 levels and 12 tutorials
Map editor for creating and sharing puzzles
Save and preview custom maps
Email puzzle solutions and maps
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What's New in Cato's Hike

3.0

May 11, 2025

- support for latest iOS versions - bug fixes

User reviews

Good idea but buttons don't always work

Great idea for programming but it doesn't show you how to go back and fix a step. Sometimes the buttons don't work. Needs better instructions. Don't spend your money on this one yet.

Catos hikes

Some times confusing but its fun and helpes me in every day life :)
Thank you makers you are awesome :) :) :) :) :)

Instructions are too poor and ambiguous!

I purchased this for my kid. Since I am a programmer I thought that this would be good tool to teach him some programming. He did not like it and complained that he was confused. I tried it and after the first two steps in the tutorial I was confused as well. I tried for twenty or thirty minutes to try and figure out what I was supposed to do. But I couldn't figure it out even though I have almost 30 years of experience as a programmer. I would not recommend this app. It will probably discourage a child from ever developing an interest in programming. This app needs refinement of its instructions and tutorials.
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Major issues- please help!!!

This is a very expensive education game not to work properly... Lightbot is priceless but it is half the price with double the value.

My issue is that the dialogue screen in the tutorial doesn't show the symbols/buttons to which it refers. For example- it look something like this:
"Choose the ⬜️ to create a loop.
True ⬜️⬜️ False⬜️⬜️
Turn using ⬜️ menu and ⬜️."

This is how the entire tutorial shows up on my IPad. (I am using it on a new model iPad mini, updated with current iOS 7.1.1)

Playing this myself, (I'm 34) the tutorial is somewhat self evident because the code is already written for you, and you just have to choose it and press play. But going on to level 2 and 3, I only know how to walk, turn and loop back to the beginning.

I don't see anyone else with this issue. I have cleared my runtime memory and have re-downloaded the app to make sure it wasn't something wrong on my end. But the same thing happened.

Help please! The app is useless for the children without the tutorial. It's useless for me too! I will immediately change my review if this is fixed, as I think it is a promising app.
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Fun & Effective Way to Learn the Basics of Computer Programming

Cato's Hike is an excellent way to introduce anyone -child or adult- to the basic concepts and logic of computer programming. Through a fun "game," you learn the fundamental logical framework that forms the foundation of every program and every programming language.

In playing with this app, you learn a computer language without even realizing it. Instead of using text "commands," you use symbols to program your character to accomplish her task. If you "get" the concepts presented in this game and master them, you're well on your way to being a "real" computer programmer for fun or profit.

The program could be improved by integrating the tutorial into the gameplay levels, rather than by presenting all the concepts in the tutorial upfront. Nonetheless, this is a truly exceptional learning tool to introduce computer programming to anyone.
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Developer apps

FAQ

What is Cato's Hike?

Cato's Hike is an educational puzzle game designed to teach children and young adults the fundamentals of programming and problem-solving. Players guide a character through a new world by creating programs using a simple, visual interface.

What programming concepts does Cato's Hike teach?

The app introduces core programming concepts such as loops, branches (if/else statements), goto labels, looking ahead, and memory using colored flags. These are presented in an accessible way through puzzles and tutorials.

How much does Cato's Hike cost?

Based on the provided information, Cato's Hike is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase for the full experience.

What devices is Cato's Hike compatible with?

Cato's Hike is described as a universal game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. This indicates it is designed for iOS devices.

Can I create my own puzzles in Cato's Hike?

Yes, the app features a powerful map editor that allows users to create their own puzzles and maps. You can then preview these maps directly within the editor and share them with friends.