Controller Programming - Get started

To begin with, you will definitely have a question, why are controllers needed, and why Arduino?

In fact, controllers can now be found anywhere, in any equipment that operates autonomously or with minimal human intervention. In coffee vending machines, radio-controlled toys, automatic washing machines, smart home systems... If, for example, in response to pressing a button you need to open a gate, then a regular relay will do the job. And if we need to pause, or turn off the lights after a while, or play a certain sound signal, then we need a controller. In fact, each controller is a tiny computer, that is, in addition to the processor, it includes both RAM and permanent memory. In terms of power, it will resemble a computer from 10 years ago, but this is quite normal. After all, a device that performs a dozen actions using a simple algorithm does not require the power of a supercomputer. But the cost and power consumption are also orders of magnitude lower than that of full-size computers.

Okay, we roughly understand why controllers are needed, all that remains is to figure out which of the many models to start with. The modern microelectronics industry produces many controller options, differing in price, size, power, and reliability. But we are just beginning to get acquainted with them, and therefore the main thing for us is ease of use and accessibility. There is also plenty to choose from here, let’s focus on Arduino.

The fact is that these particular controllers are quite easy to find on sale, and we immediately get a device ready for experiments. In addition, along with the controller, you can find a lot of peripherals. No, many say that Arduino is far from ideal among controllers. There are many cheaper and still functional solutions. But if you are a beginner who is just starting out, then you should stop there. Moreover, later, when you get the hang of it a little, you can move on to more complex things.