Summary of Introduction to Processing and Arduino
This article summarizes a 7-hour workshop introducing Processing and Arduino for physical computing. It covers basic programming and electronics skills, enabling students to build projects that communicate between the real world and computers using an Arduino starter kit. The content explains Arduino's role as an open-source platform for creating interactive objects that sense inputs and control outputs like lights and motors.
Parts used in the Physical Computing Workshop:
- Arduino starter kit
- Arduino microcontroller board
- Processing multimedia programming environment
- Open-source IDE
- Sensors
- Switches
- Lights
- Motors
- Computer software (e.g., Flash, MaxMSP)
Part 1:
This series of videos is a recording of my 7 hour workshop teaching an introduction to Processing and Arduino. Since this is a class recording, there may be omissions, mistakes and other inconsistencies. I also run my workshops based upon the speed of the students and questions I receive. This workshop assumes you have a basic Arduino starter kit.
This class will cover basic programming and electronics skills. These will be taught using the Processing and Arduino platforms. Students will use kits to prototype physical computing projects which will communicate data from the real world to the computer and allow the computer to control the real world.
What is Arduino?
Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than your desktop computer. It’s an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board.
Arduino can be used to develop interactive objects, taking inputs from a variety of switches or sensors, and controlling a variety of lights, motors, and other physical outputs. Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP.) The boards can be assembled by hand or purchased preassembled; the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free.
The Arduino programming language is an implementation of Wiring, a similar physical computing platform, which is based on the Processing multimedia programming environment.
For more detail: Introduction to Processing and Arduino
-
What is the primary goal of this workshop?
The class covers basic programming and electronics skills taught using the Processing and Arduino platforms. -
Does the workshop require prior experience with Arduino?
Yes, the workshop assumes you have a basic Arduino starter kit. -
How does Arduino differ from a desktop computer?
Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than your desktop computer. -
Can Arduino projects communicate with other software?
Yes, projects can be stand-alone or communicate with software running on your computer such as Flash, Processing, or MaxMSP. -
Is the Arduino development environment free?
Yes, the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free. -
What is the relationship between Arduino and Processing?
The Arduino programming language is an implementation of Wiring, which is based on the Processing multimedia programming environment. -
Can users assemble their own Arduino boards?
Yes, the boards can be assembled by hand or purchased preassembled. -
What types of inputs can Arduino take?
Arduino can take inputs from a variety of switches or sensors. -
What are some examples of physical outputs controlled by Arduino?
Arduino can control a variety of lights, motors, and other physical outputs. -
Why might there be omissions in the video series?
The videos are recordings of a class where the speed depends on student questions and responses, leading to potential inconsistencies.
