Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Arduino & Coding: The Beginners Guide for Everyone

Arduino and coding are tangled, and are an enthralling field of Electronics engineering. Arduino is a great way to introduce your child to STEM-based learning at an early age. Before getting into Arduino and coding, it's important to know about automation/control systems/robots etc.

An Arduino is an autonomous prototype board that is able to perform certain tasks based on the inputs taken by sensors. Also, an Arduino is merely a physical piece, until it's programmed.

We live in an era where many human tasks are now automated/controlled as a result of robotics and embedded systems. Because artificial intelligence and machine learning are key aspects of the trend, intelligent robots and embedded systems are more accurate and precise than humans.



If you are a parent/hobbyist/engineer/job seeker/student/layman or anyone looking for engaging robotics/automation/control system design and coding procedure for your child/career/experience-list you've come to the right place. One can explore my eBook Arduino: A Beginner's Guide 2nd edition for beginner’s guidelines, but first, discover more about embedded systems, Arduino in general and coding.

Explore Arduino and coding

Find out why coding is critical when it comes to embedded systems, and which coding language to select for this domain. And discover the best tools and programs for your child/yourself to start learning Arduino.

Why is coding important?

Coding is important because we live in an increasingly digital world. Education is not about remembering the facts. With information readily available at our fingertips, we need to teach our kids & ourselves how to think rather than what to think. One of the best ways to do that is to give kids & ourselves tools through which they/one can figure out the best possible solutions, and coding is one of those tools.

 

What is a good age to start coding?

A good age to start coding is while a child is still young - often in elementary school. Coding is essential now more than ever to prepare students for the future. When students learn the basics of coding, it opens up a whole new world full of exciting opportunities for them. Learning has no age bar, but we believe young minds are more active and can learn new things easily. Around the time that children start learning to read and write is a great age to start coding. If kids can do it, you can also!

Does embedded systems or Arduino needs coding?

Yes, Arduino definitely needs coding. Coding is an essential set of instructions that an Arduino can read and execute. Arduino combines the use of electronics, electro-mechanical, and coding software to program embedded systems to do particular jobs. Embedded systems can easily perform those tasks that humans are not able to perform.

What coding is used for Arduino?

Both block-based coding and text-based coding are used for Arduino [as per Arduino-simulator is concerned]. Especially coding is the way to communicate with Arduino and computers or any external communication media. In other words, coding is a set of instructions with certain rules. There are numerous programming languages available: C/C++, Python, Java, FORTRAN, etc. C/C++ is a popular language for embedded systems due to its use is very natural and simple.

  1. Block-based coding: Block-based coding is an excellent approach to kick-start learners' interest in coding. Block-based coding uses a stack of different functions of blocks which can be easily connected to each other. Debugging errors is much easier in block-based coding. In Arduino-simulator this is provided to developer for coding purpose.
  2. Text-based coding: Text-based coding is based on predefined syntax: a list of codes readable by a particular language. Chances of error is higher as you have to type each and every line of code. Which also means it takes much more time than block-based coding. C/C++, Python, Java are a few examples.

What skills do Arduino and coding teach students/Arduino developer?

Anyone who learn Arduino and coding will pick up many skills including strong critical thinking skills. There are different ways to solve problems, and those who learn embedded systems learn how to choose the optimal solution for the problem. Also, hands-on learning activities increase students' concentration and attention levels. Other skills include:

  • Preparedness: Technology is changing every day, and students /you need to be more prepared for technological changes.
  • Teamwork: Kids/you work in teams to adapt their Arduino to compete in different dynamic challenges [if it’s an academic project].
  • Programming skills: Beyond learning to program lines of code, one will discover new ways to solve problems.
  • Analytical thinking: For huge Arduino problems, students have to breakdown the problem into segments, and then find the solution.
  • Improve the written and verbal communication skills: Communication is an absolutely essential skill throughout life.

Arduino programming for beginners:

Arduino-Simulator has a block-based interface [also has text based interface], which allows those who are new to Arduino to more easily get their system up and moving. It has different blocks in terms of task and function, which makes it more understandable. And the function of each block has a specific meaning. User can have a try together in a few simple steps! It’s that easy.

 

For About Arduino Posts list: Index click it!

…till next post, bye-bye and take care!

 

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