: Click "Connect" then "Install Arduino Driver" if your computer does not recognize the board.
While mBlock 5 (based on Scratch 3.0) is the current standard for AI and IoT education, version 3.4.12 is still preferred in specific scenarios: Download Page – mBlock
| Feature | mBlock 3.4.12 ("Classic") | mBlock 5 (New Generation) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Built on Scratch 2.0 | Built on Scratch 3.0 | | Programming Modes | Offers both "Scratch Mode" (Live) & "Arduino Mode" (Upload) | Focuses on "Upload Mode" for hardware, with a separate "Live Mode" for sprites | | Interface Design | A more traditional layout where sprites and devices are mixed | A cleaner, more intuitive interface where devices are clearly separated from sprites | | Device Support | Supports Arduino, mBot, Ranger, and Ultimate 2.0 | Supports all the above, plus newer devices like HaloCode, micro:bit, and an expanded list of Arduino boards | | Key Advantage | Simplicity and a direct, real-time connection for immediate feedback in "Scratch Mode" | Modern interface, cross-platform support (including a robust web version), and compatibility with newer hardware | mblock 3.4.12
, a version his teacher called "the classic bridge" because of how it translated colorful blocks into real Arduino C code Leo dragged a “When Clicked” block onto the canvas, followed by a “repeat forever”
: Uses a "drag-and-drop" jigsaw-style interface to teach programming logic without requiring knowledge of syntax. : Click "Connect" then "Install Arduino Driver" if
Open the software, navigate to the top menu, click on Connect , and select Install Arduino Driver . This installs the necessary CH340/FTDI drivers required for your PC to recognize microcontroller COM ports.
: Run the official mBlock 3.4.12 setup wizard. This installs the necessary CH340/FTDI drivers required for
mBlock 3.4.12 allows for two distinct modes of communication with physical hardware:
The code is compiled and flashed directly into the microcontroller’s EEPROM chip. Once uploaded, the robot can run autonomously using an external battery pack, completely independent of the computer. Why Stick to Version 3.4.12?