Programming Arduino Next Steps by Simon Monk

Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches by Simon Monk

The Arduino microcontroller has become one of the most popular tools used in hobbyist and maker projects all over the world. Arduino boards are easy to use, since they can be programmed with just about any standard computer language, including C++, Java, and Python.

Now, you can take your Arduino programming to the next level with the new book Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches by Simon Monk, which helps you learn how to program your Arduino using the C++ programming language.

With so many cool things that you can do with your Arduino board, it’s tempting to just dive right in and start hacking away. However, it’s usually best to take some time to learn the basics of programming first, so you know how to write simple programs to communicate with your hardware.

You don’t want to be stuck trying to figure out why nothing is working! Simon Monk’s new book, Programming Arduino Next Steps, shows you exactly how to get started with some of the most popular programming languages on the Arduino platform.

About the Book

Just as you can’t become a chess master overnight, you won’t be able to design, build, and create amazing things with your Arduino over night. Instead, take it one step at a time and build upon what you already know.

In Programming Arduino Next Steps , best-selling author Simon Monk guides you through all the skills you need to gain to take full advantage of your Arduino in addition to providing a basic overview of electronics that will allow even newcomers or those without any experience get started right away. These skills include but are not limited to how to read a schematic diagram, use libraries, create custom functions, troubleshoot problems and how to put it all together into real projects.

Who is this Book For?

This book is for anyone who has a basic understanding of how an Arduino works and wants to get more out of it, but doesn’t want to study programming. If you have ever tried one of these projects and found yourself frustrated because you just don’t understand what that sketch is doing, then you need a copy of Programming Arduino next steps.

You will walk through some code examples written in C and learn how to read code that other people have written as well as write your own, taking full advantage of all that is possible in your Arduino device. To me there are two main goals in reading a book like this. Firstly I wanted to give an overview on some topics, but also not just regurgitate text from other people’s articles online.

The Inside Scoop on Arduino Shields

The Arduino-compatible shield is a small circuit board that can extend or add functionality to your microcontroller project. Learn how to select and use a shield in one of two ways. One option is to purchase an assembled shield that’s ready for you to start using right away. In other cases, especially when you want something more advanced, you might have to build your own shield, but don’t worry — that’s also easy! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to do both.

More About the Code

The code behind any sketch is a good place to start learning about how sketches are put together and how your Arduino works. Each line of code does something—that’s what it’s there for! Every statement is a command to your computer, telling it what task to do or which value to use.

As you might have noticed, some lines end in semi-colons (;) while others don’t. This means that some lines in a sketch are commands while others are not (but they still need to be present). Each set of commands should form a logical unit that performs one action; as such, you’ll see lots of curly brackets ({}) being used, often at the end of lines but sometimes elsewhere too.

What Can You Do Now?

More Details on Programming Arduino (from Programming Arduino, 2nd Edition) : This book is an introduction to programming microcontrollers using a language called C. If you’ve read my first book, Programming Arduino (from O’Reilly), and enjoyed it, then I think you’ll find that we haven’t covered nearly enough in that volume to satisfy your curiosity.

So here are some more details. The C language was chosen for a number of reasons: it’s relatively simple and well-understood; it has many similarities to BASIC; and it’s often used in programs that are compiled or run on PCs or Macs. It’s easy enough for beginners to understand—at least those who have had some previous exposure to computer science—and yet powerful enough for professionals and serious hobbyists.

The Final Word

As you make your way through Programming Arduino Next Steps and beyond, remember to have fun and enjoy yourself. Make mistakes—that’s how you learn! If you come up against a challenge, look back at what you have already achieved and use that to help solve it.

And of course, if things really aren’t working out, there are plenty of ways to get in touch with other people who know more than I do; let me know if I can help point you in the right direction. Programming is an amazing hobby that gets easier once you start (don’t worry about not knowing anything), but it won’t do any good until you take that first step…so go on! Make something cool!

You can visit Arduino’s website to check for Arduino’s products.

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