I became excited about the Arduino at the start of 2008. It uses a C-like language, which is just another high level language. If you can program in Java, or Pascal, etc, you can program in the Arduino language. (People from a Pascal background can say "goodbye" to the finger- annoying ":=", but semicolons remain a "little joy" to stay on top of.....)
I've used the Arduino development software extensively under Windows, and have, successfully!, given it a short "test drive" on a Linux (Ubuntu 7.04) box. It installed on Ubuntu nicely, there are installation instructions on the Arduino site.
Besides these tutorials, I've started a series of "How To" articles which you can dip into at random.
Also, I have an alternative, "quick start" guide. The alternative guide is written for people who already know something about programming.
You may want to go to the main Arduino site, www.arduino.cc if you haven't been there before.
Lastly, please someday visit the introduction and guide to the site these tutorials are part of, if only for the site search button!
Instead of the tutorials shown in the table of contents here, I would commend to you....
*** a NEW (12/09) course of tutorials on Arduino programming *** which I have built.
That new (1/2010) set supplants....
The new set is most relevant to someone who wants to work through a series of tutorials, and through them gain a comprehensive understanding of the C/C++ variant used in Arduinos and their clones, like the great ModernDevice.com BBB and RBBB.
The other tutorials below....
...may be worth your time... but read at least the first few of the tutorials in the new set first.
As I said... the OTHER links on this page remain worth your while... I hope! (I know where they go, I am only hoping that my assessment matches yours, and that the links go to something you are looking for!)
If you haven't already seen it, ** PLEASE READ my general Arduino caveat
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If you liked the above tutorials, I apologize for the fact that not more of the Pascal material they are based on has yet been translated. Until I can get to that work, you may find some of the material in my Pascal tutorials readable, useful, even for Arduino learning.
This site offers you a sequence of lessons which should help you master programming the Arduino in its version of C. You don't need to pay for a compiler: the tutorials can be followed with the free software that is available online for use with Arduinos. It runs on Windows XP, and maybe Vista, and can also be used on Linux boxes ('Ray!) and Macs. Thus, the material should be of general use. Feel free to use the tutorials in programming courses, but a credit of the source would be appreciated.
My pages about Arduino programming were started in February 2008. I didn't know much about the Arduino then, but know a lot more now.
So why did I start publishing so quickly, even though I was (then) new to the device?
I did it, and the subsequent work, because I think the Arduino is a great product. I like the support it already has, and hope to see it go from considerable strength to even greater success.
I say that on the basis of working with computers since 1968, and as someone who taught for twenty years. I don't yet say it on the basis of extensive experience with the Arduino.
I've also produced a Getting Started guide for the Arduino.
(If you think microcontrollers seem pretty cool, but you're not sure that the Arduino is what you need, my introduction to microcontrollers might be helpful.)
I dislike 'fancy' websites where there's more medium than message.... especially if that means I have to wait while multiple little items get downloaded. For a pretty picture, I can go to an art gallery. (Of course an attractive site with content deserves praise... as long as that pretty face doesn't cost download time.) In any case....
I am trying to present this material in a format which makes it easy for you to USE it. There are two aspects to that: The way it is split up and the way it is posted.
I have tried to split it up into 'bite-sized' pieces and to indicate which pieces are basic and of general importance, and which address more specific issues which may also be more complex, or require prior understanding of other issues. In other words, I try to show you how to walk before running. The 'Level 1' tutorials cover the basics. If you have no experience, start with the level one tutorials. If you decide to jump in at a more advanced level, and things are not clear, it might be an idea to skim the level one topics if only to learn about my way of expressing the concepts.
Here is how you can contact this page's editor. This page, and the software it references, ©TK Boyd, 1/2010.
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