Arduino

So, I’m currently working on a few different projects, most of which an arduino development board is used. But before I get into the projects, I should give a quick explanation of an arduino. There are tons of reviews and wikis and informative sites that one could go to; but, I think I can make a fair shake of it.

An arduino board is essentially a circuit board with a programmable micro-controller. It uses a USB plug to connect to a computer. The arduino IDE is the program used to communicate between the computer and the board, as well as write and compile code. The software is fairly simple to use, and install, even on a Linux box. The board uses its own programming language, which is pretty standard compared to other languages.

To explain what the board actually does is problematic, due to its wide variety of possible uses. On a very elementary level, it uses the installed code to interact with pins on the micro-controller. These pins are capable of doing many things. They are inputs and outputs, analog and digital. They can interact with sensors, control motors, use LEDs, practically anything one can electronically comprehend.

People of all stripes and professions are more than able to use arduinos. It is geared towards artists, designers, inventors, tinkerers, hackers, and many others. One can use an arduino and have a limited-to-zero understanding of electronics, or be a master micro-electrician. It is practical to all skill levels, and it is great way to learn about electronics.

Plainly put: I highly recommend the arduino platform.

Oh, did I mention that it's open source?


-Drake