Arduino Programming Notebook

Arduino Programming Overview

• The Arduino Programming Notebook is a reference guide for Arduino microcontroller programming, first published in August 2007, with a second edition in September 2008.
• Content includes contributions from various developers like Paul Badger, Massimo Banzi, and others, providing a comprehensive resource for Arduino programming concepts.

Structure of Arduino Programs

• Fundamental components include setup(), loop(), and user-defined functions.
• Curly braces {} delineate the beginning and end of function and statement blocks, ensuring proper code structure.
• Semicolons ; are mandatory for ending statements and separating elements such as loop parts.

Variables and Data Types

• Variables must be declared before use, defining their type (e.g., int, long, float) and optionally initializing values.
• Variable scope determines accessibility:
  • Global variables (declared before setup()) are accessible throughout the program.
  • Local variables (declared within functions or loops) are limited to the function scope, reducing potential errors.

Data Types Explained

• Common data types:
  • byte: 8-bit unsigned integer.
  • int: 16-bit signed integer.
  • long: 32-bit signed integer.
  • float: 32-bit floating-point number.
• Arrays can be used for grouped data storage.

Control Structures

• Conditional statements include if, if...else, for, while, and do...while, directing program flow based on conditions.
• Logical operators include AND (&&), OR (||), and NOT (!), allowing for complex condition evaluations.

Constants and Input/Output

• Predefined constants exist to enhance code readability:
  • TRUE/FALSE: Boolean values, where FALSE is 0 and TRUE is anything except zero.
  • HIGH/LOW: States for digital pins; HIGH is typically 5V (ON), and LOW is 0V (OFF).
• Digital and analog I/O functions include:
  • pinMode(pin, mode): Sets pin mode (INPUT/OUTPUT).
  • digitalRead(pin) and digitalWrite(pin, value): For reading/writing to digital pins.
  • analogRead(pin) and analogWrite(pin, value): For handling analog signals.

Timing and Math Functions

• Timing functions include delay(ms) for pausing the program and millis() for tracking elapsed time.
• Math functions, such as min(x, y), max(x, y), and random(min, max), help with numerical operations.

Serial Communication

• Serial functions facilitate communication between the Arduino and a computer or other devices:
  • Serial.begin(rate): Initializes serial communication at a specified baud rate.
  • Serial.println(data): Sends data to the serial monitor for debugging or output.

Appendix of Practical Examples

• Illustrates practical applications including digital output/input, PWM output, potentiometer reading, and servo control, bridging theory with hands-on implementation.