Internet of Things: Setting Up Your DragonBoard™ Development Platform from Coursera

Do you want to develop skills to prototype mobile-enabled products using state-of-the-art technologies? In this course you will build a hardware and software development environment to guide your journey through the Internet of Things specialization courses. We will use the DragonBoard™ 410c single board computer (SBC).

This is the first in a series of courses where you will learn both the theory and get the hands-on development practice needed to prototype Internet of Things products. This course is suitable for a broad range of learners.

This course is for you if:

• You want to develop hands-on experience with mobile technologies and the Internet

• You want to pivot your career towards the design and development of Internet of Things enabled products

• You are an entrepreneur, innovator or member of a DIY community

Learning Goals:

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Configure at least one integrated development environment (IDE) for developing software.

2. Make use of git, adb and fastboot to flash multiple OS and repair bricked boards.

3. Install Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and Linux based on Ubuntu.

4. Create, compile and run a Hello World program.

5. Describe the DragonBoard™ 410c peripherals, I/O expansion capabilities, Compute (CPU and Graphics) capabilities, and Connectivity capabilities.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the Internet of Things! Before diving into this course give us a chance to let you know what it is all about! We will walk you through a module by module outline that will give you highlights on the interesting aspects of the course.

Terminology/Cheat Sheet (Beginner)

In this course, you will see a lot of new words and acronyms you might not be familiar with. If you feel comfortable with your knowledge of tech terminology, feel free to skip these lessons since they will not affect the overall integrity of the course. If you see something that you want to know a little more about, feel free to watch the video to gain insight on some basic concepts. We do expect you to know the majority of this material before going into the next module, we would recommend going through the lessons as a quick brush up.

Board Bring up

The new and exciting DragonBoard™ 410c is now available! In this module you will get introduced to the new all-in-one board, get an overview of all its amazing features and find out how you can get one yourself. We will then walk you through the registration process, and how to get your board started up for the first time! By the end of this module you will know enough about the DragonBoard™ 410c to begin using it for the fun projects that are to come later in this course and in the rest of the courses in the Internet of Things specialization.

Setting up your Developing Environment

In order to easily communicate with your DragonBoard™ 410c it is essential to set up a developing environment. In this lesson we will talk about Android Studio as our preferred IDE (Integrated Development Environment), we will show you how and where to download it as well as walk you through the installation process on both Mac/Linux and Windows. As an Android developer you will need a variety of tools, these tools come bundled with the Android Studio download and are referred to as the SDK (Software Developer Kit). This lesson will cover accessing the SDK and utilizing the various tools it has to offer. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are among the tools we will be using most throughout this course. It is with these tools that you will be able to access your board at all levels and make crucial changes needed for development.

Changing your Operating System

The DragonBoard™ 410c is capable of running a variety of different operating systems, that being said you are free to chose the operating system that you find is best fit for you. Now, we understand that there is a diverse user base for this board and would like to cover as much as possible in this lesson so everyone can enjoy it! Whether you are a Windows user or a Mac user, or prefer Android over Ubuntu, there is a video or two here for you! In this lesson we will help you choose an operating system to best fit for your needs, we will then cover the download, flashing and installation process for all currently available operating systems. Because of the diverse nature of this board we will teach you multiple ways to flash your new operating system and provide a pro's and con's list for the different methods. By the end of this lesson switching between operating system will be easy and exciting for users of all skill levels.

Rescuing your Bricked Board

No one expects to damage their new DragonBoard™ 410c, but sometimes accidents happen. This module is dedicated to helping you not only prevent these accidents from happening, but also to fixing any problems should your board become damaged in any way. Here we will go over the difference between a soft brick and a hard brick and why they are two things you want to avoid.

Creating your First Application

Welcome to Module 6! In this module we will be creating your first Android App to port to the DragonBoard™ 410c. This “Network Test” App will give you a teaser for the programmatic feats you will be able to accomplish with the DragonBoard™! You will learn about the different GPS and Location Services available on Android and how to access Bluetooth and Wi-fi Data. This module will briefly go over the importance of the Android Manifest and asking the Users for the proper permissions. Lastly, we’ll spice up our application by playing around with Intents and enabling the application to facilitate the above connectivity and network tests. This may sound like a lot, but don’t worry! We will help you get on your feet and by the end of this module, you’ll have coded a neat little application.

Native Development Kit (NDK)

In Module 7, will give you a general introduction and brief overview of Android Studio’s Native Development Kit (NDK). The NDK allows us users to program Android applications using C/C++. The NDK utilizes the Java Native Interface (JNI) to facilitate code and interaction between Java and C/C++. This tool was created for users who either have existing C/C++ libraries or plan to use libraries only available in C/C++. Android Studio has a specific build and compilation process catered specifically for NDK Applications that we will explain and cover in this Module. Once we have a better understanding of the NDK, we will create a straightforward “Hello World!” application.

CALIT2 Bird Application

Who doesn’t love a good game to pass time? In this Module, we will create a more advanced and interactive Android Application / Game! We will be creating our version of FlappyBird--CalliBird or Calit2Bird, as we like to call it. We will cover the basics of the game by defining certain parameters. First, we have what we call our “Actors”. You can think of “Actors” as any part of the game that appears on the screen (the obstacles and the bird). In the game, we also define our own Location system and a Map class that will handle the different movements in the game. Next we define our game processor which is the backbone of the game. Game Processor ensures your score is constantly updated, delegates the movements to the Map class, and detects collisions, to name a few. Lastly, we will cover the importance of interfaces and its application to this Android App. Interfaces will enable us to 1. play CalliBird / Calit2Bird using any form of input we want (using touch, a sensor, a controller, etc.) and 2. render the game in any display we have (a screen, an led block, etc.). There is a lot of freedom with this game so you will be able to spice it up and make it your own!

Monitoring your DragonBoard™ 410c

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the last module of Course 2! In this Module we will cover a more advanced NDK Application. This application is a bit more challenging than prior applications because it is coded in both Java and C. Regardless of the rigour, we know you’ll be able to accomplish this feat! As for the application, we will be turning our DragonBoard™ 410c into a web server! This web server will detail information regarding the DragonBoard™ 410c’s connectivity, GPIOs, and any other statuses you may want to add. We will pull the information from the DragonBoard™ and encode it in a JSON format using Java, then use C to establish a server connection and send the data out. We will walk you through our code and thought processes so that you can gain a better understanding of how to use the NDK to run Android Applications as well as a taste of what the Internet of Things is all about.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

You want to prototype mobile-enabled products using the latest technologies

You plan to switch your career towards the design and development of IoT-enabled products

You are an entrepreneur, innovator, or DIY community member

Experienced learners who want to expand their expertise

Learners completely new to hardware development

Reviews summary

Dragonboard development setup course

Learners say this course is good but the learning materials provided are not up to date.

Coding material may cause importing and functionality issues with Android IDE.

"Also, coding material could be a little behind and may cause problems when importing into Android IDE and trying to making it work."

Course materials such as NDK and JNI are outdated.

"The material used in this course is not totally updated, like the NDK and JNI sections."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Internet of Things: Setting Up Your DragonBoard™ Development Platform with these activities:

Read 'Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide'

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of Android development fundamentals through a comprehensive guide.

View Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide... on Amazon

Show steps

Create a dedicated notebook for course materials

Show steps

Organize your notes, assignments, and resources to enhance recall and retention.

Browse courses on Organization

Show steps

Purchase a notebook dedicated to the course.
Label the notebook clearly with the course name and semester.
Create separate sections for notes, assignments, and other resources.
Regularly update the notebook with course materials.

Follow an online course for Android Studio setup

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the Android Studio development environment before starting the course.

Browse courses on Android Studio

Show steps

Search for a beginner's course on Android Studio setup.
Choose a course that covers the installation, configuration, and basic usage of Android Studio.
Follow the tutorial steps and complete the hands-on exercises.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Write and run 'Hello World' program

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience with writing and running simple Java programs in Android Studio.

Browse courses on Programming Basics

Show steps

Open Android Studio and create a new Android project.
Create a new Java class called MainActivity.
In the MainActivity class, write the 'Hello World' program.
Run the program on an emulator or physical device.

Create a mind map of the DragonBoard 410c peripherals

Show steps

Organize and visualize your understanding of the DragonBoard 410c peripherals.

Browse courses on DragonBoard 410c

Show steps

Gather information about the DragonBoard 410c peripherals from the course materials.
Use a mind mapping tool to create a diagram.
Add branches for each peripheral, including its name, function, and key specifications.
Review and refine the mind map to ensure clarity and completeness.

Attend a local Android development meetup

Show steps

Connect with other Android developers and learn about the latest trends and technologies.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Find local Android development meetups.
Attend a meetup and introduce yourself.
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences.

Build a simple Android app using basic UI elements

Show steps

Apply your Android development skills to create a functional app with a basic user interface.

Browse courses on Android App Development

Show steps

Design the app's layout and functionality.
Create the app's user interface using XML and Java.
Implement event handling and data binding.
Test and debug the app.
Deploy the app to an emulator or physical device.

Contribute to an open-source Android project

Show steps

Gain practical experience and connect with the Android development community by contributing to open-source projects.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Identify an open-source Android project that aligns with your interests.
Review the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
Choose a feature or bug to work on.
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.
Collaborate with the project maintainers to refine and merge your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Internet of Things: Setting Up Your DragonBoard™ Development Platform will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers are responsible for developing software for mobile devices. This can include apps for smartphones and tablets. As a Mobile Developer, you will need to have a strong understanding of the Android and iOS operating systems. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to build mobile apps that run on both platforms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Android Developer

Android Developers build and maintain mobile applications that run on the Android operating system. As an Android Developer, you will use your knowledge of the Android SDK and the Java programming language to create apps that are both useful and engaging. This course will provide you with the skills you need to develop Android apps from scratch.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. As a Software Developer, you will use your knowledge of programming languages and software development tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to start a career as a Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining websites. As a Web Developer, you will use your knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to build websites that meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for designing the user experience for websites and apps. As a UX Designer, you will use your knowledge of human-computer interaction to create interfaces that are both easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a UX Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

UI Designer

UI Designers are responsible for designing the visual appearance of websites and apps. As a UI Designer, you will use your knowledge of design principles and software tools to create interfaces that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a UI Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will use your knowledge of machine learning algorithms and software tools to create models that can solve real-world problems. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. As a Data Scientist, you will use your knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and data mining to extract insights from data. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. As a Project Manager, you will work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of products. As a Product Manager, you will work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that products meet the needs of users. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for designing and implementing computer systems. As a Systems Analyst, you will work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

IT Consultant

IT Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on how to use technology to meet their business goals. As an IT Consultant, you will work with businesses to assess their needs, develop solutions, and implement those solutions. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be an IT Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. As a Business Analyst, you will use your knowledge of business analysis techniques and software tools to create solutions that meet the needs of businesses. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. As a Network Administrator, you will work with network hardware and software to ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Network Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. As a Database Administrator, you will work with database software and hardware to ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator