Bidirectional Automatic Program Code Conversion for Learning Multiple Programming Languages

This paper introduces a bidirectional automatic conversion application software designed to enhance programming education by fostering computational thinking among high school students. The software uses XML code derived from Blockly blocks as an intermediate representation, enabling automatic conversion between Python and JavaScript. This XML-based approach is technically novel as it enables bidirectional conversion between programming languages, reducing development complexity while seamlessly integrating visual and text-based programming functionalities. By integrating visual and textbased programming, it bridges the gap between block-based and text-based coding environments, helping students transition smoothly from a visual interface to advanced text-based programming. Educational practice in a high school setting revealed that this tool enhances student engagement and deepens their understanding of programming concepts. The bidirectional conversion feature enables students to examine code in both visual and textual formats, thereby reinforcing their understanding of syntax and logical structures.