Introduction to object-oriented programming with Arduino from Udemy

Especially in the development of microcontrollers we often work with libraries, for example to control hardware components. The advantages of flexible and efficient source code design will be introduced to you in this course.

An ESP32 is used in the entire course, but all the examples (except the last one with the Website/Webserver and WIFI), exercises and explanations can be done with any Arduino.

Once you have completed this course, you will be able to…

...create your own object-oriented programs and libraries
...program reusable source code
... create clean source code architecture for flexible programming and adaptation
... code generalized classes and provide the libraries
... implement the basic concepts of OOP for your own projects and apply them immediately.
... save time for cumbersome programming. Because of the given conceptual design, your self-written code is easier to adapt.
... maintain your own code better even after a longer period of time.

What we go through in the course:

Basics of object-oriented programming in the Arduino environment. We will go through the essential contents of OOP step by step. We will get right into practical examples.
Practical example: Own LED class. Many different functions and interfaces.
Practical example 2: Galton board with marble elevator and evaluation of 12 IR sensors.
Practical example 3: Headlamp with only one(. ) button, two LEDs and three light modes.
Practical example: Rock, paper, scissors game. We develop this small game. We compete against the bot and play to win two games. The logic is triggered by a web server on the ESP32 (with server side events).

My approach in the course:

None (ok, only very few) slides/Powerpoints. We start in the basics immediately with a practical example. Also the theory can be tested immediately on the Arduino with the Serial Monitor and thus immediately better understood.
The practical projects are developed together in step-by-step instructions.
Together means in this context that I demonstrate the code, depending on the task, and you can follow me along with the source code.
All codes are available for download on the platform, so you can get to the result without frustration.
No rambling explanations or theory monologues, we get right to work in the basics chapter.

Benefit from my years of experience and get the key skills in microcontroller development.

I'm looking forward to see you in class

Markus Edenhauser

What's inside

Learning objectives

The structure of a class
What data encapsulation is and how we implement this concept
Creation and use of constructors
Overloading constructors and functions (polymorphism)
Inheritance of classes
Use and adaptation of inherited classes
Interaction of headers and cpp files
Control of servo motors, infrared sensors, leds.

Use of visual studio code / platform io (with arduino ide also possible)
Provide of own libraries for external developers
Creation of individual libraries for own use
Best practices in object oriented programming of microcontrollers
Many practical examples which are built up step by step
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The structure of a class
What data encapsulation is and how we implement this concept
Creation and use of constructors
Overloading constructors and functions (polymorphism)
Inheritance of classes
Use and adaptation of inherited classes
Interaction of headers and cpp files
Control of servo motors, infrared sensors, leds.
Use of visual studio code / platform io (with arduino ide also possible)
Provide of own libraries for external developers
Creation of individual libraries for own use
Best practices in object oriented programming of microcontrollers
Many practical examples which are built up step by step
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to this course

About me

Download code snippets

If you use a platform version > 3.5, it can come to errors with the library of the web server as of 05/2022.

So for this example, use the following in platform.ini

platform = [email protected]

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses an ESP32, but the examples, exercises, and explanations can be adapted to any Arduino, making it accessible to a wide range of users

Teaches how to create clean source code architecture for flexible programming and adaptation, which is essential for efficient microcontroller development

Covers practical examples like creating an LED class and a Galton board, providing hands-on experience with object-oriented programming concepts

Explores the interaction of header and CPP files, which is crucial for organizing and managing larger Arduino projects

Requires using platform version 3.5 for the Rock Paper Scissors example to avoid errors with the web server library, which may require some adjustments for users with newer versions

Develops skills in creating and publishing custom Arduino libraries, enabling learners to share and reuse their code effectively

Reviews summary

Practical oop for arduino microcontrollers

According to learners, this course provides a highly practical introduction to applying object-oriented programming concepts specifically for Arduino and ESP32 microcontrollers. Students frequently praise the hands-on project examples, which are built step-by-step and help solidify understanding. The availability of course code is highlighted as a significant benefit. While many found it accessible for beginners, some reviewers noted that the pace might be slow or the depth insufficient for those with prior programming experience. Occasional setup issues, particularly related to specific library versions for advanced projects, were also mentioned.

Source code is provided.

"The provided source code for all examples was incredibly helpful for following along and debugging."

"Having the code available for download made practicing and experimenting much easier."

"Saved a lot of time by having the instructor's code snippets readily accessible."

Accessible introduction for newcomers.

"As a complete beginner to OOP, I found this course very accessible and easy to follow."

"Excellent introduction to OOP concepts specific to the Arduino environment. It broke down complex ideas well."

"The step-by-step approach made it easy for someone new to both OOP and advanced Arduino coding to keep up."

Learn OOP through hands-on examples.

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me. Applying OOP concepts to real Arduino projects made it click."

"Great practical examples building up complexity. I loved working on the Headlamp and Rock Paper Scissors projects."

"This course doesn't just teach theory; it shows you exactly how to implement OOP with microcontroller hardware."

"I really appreciated the focus on practical examples rather than just abstract theory."

Pace may be slow for some learners.

"While great for beginners, I wish some sections went into a bit more depth on advanced OOP patterns or performance considerations."

"Good intro, but probably not for experienced programmers looking for deep dives into complex embedded OOP design."

"The pace is quite gentle, which was perfect for me, but might be slow if you already know some programming."

Potential issues with software setup.

"Had some trouble getting PlatformIO working with the specified library version for the final project."

"The setup part, especially the dependencies for the webserver example, required some troubleshooting on my end."

"Needed to carefully follow instructions for environment setup to avoid errors, particularly with different IDEs."

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 Introduction to object-oriented programming with Arduino with these activities:

Review C++ Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of C++ syntax and concepts, as Arduino programming relies heavily on C++. This will make grasping object-oriented concepts easier.

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Review data types, variables, and operators in C++.
Practice writing simple C++ programs.
Familiarize yourself with control flow statements (if, else, loops).

Review 'Object-Oriented Programming in C++' by Robert Lafore

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Solidify your understanding of OOP concepts by reading a dedicated book on the subject. This will provide a broader and deeper understanding of the principles.

View Data Structures & Algorithms in Python on Amazon

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Read the chapters on classes, objects, and inheritance.
Work through the examples and exercises in the book.
Relate the concepts to Arduino programming.

Review 'Arduino Cookbook' by Michael Margolis

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Gain practical insights into Arduino programming by reviewing a cookbook. This will provide real-world examples of how to apply OOP concepts.

View Arduino Cookbook: Recipes to Begin, Expand, and... on Amazon

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Browse the book for relevant examples and code snippets.
Adapt the examples to your own projects.
Experiment with different approaches and techniques.

Four other activities

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Create a Simple Arduino Library

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Practice creating your own Arduino library to solidify your understanding of class structure, header files, and CPP files. This directly applies the course's learning objectives.

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Define a simple class with a few methods.
Create a header file and a CPP file for your class.
Write a simple Arduino sketch that uses your library.
Test your library and debug any errors.

Follow Advanced Arduino OOP Tutorials

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Explore advanced OOP techniques in Arduino by following online tutorials. This will expose you to different approaches and best practices.

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Search for tutorials on advanced OOP concepts in Arduino.
Follow the tutorials and implement the examples.
Adapt the techniques to your own projects.

Document Your Arduino Library

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Improve your understanding of library structure by documenting your own Arduino library. This reinforces the concepts of header files, CPP files, and class interfaces.

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Write clear and concise documentation for each class and method.
Create examples that demonstrate how to use your library.
Publish your documentation online.

Contribute to an Arduino Library

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Deepen your understanding of library design and implementation by contributing to an open-source Arduino library. This provides valuable experience in working with existing codebases and collaborating with other developers.

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Find an open-source Arduino library that interests you.
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute.
Submit a pull request with your changes.
Respond to feedback from the library maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to object-oriented programming with Arduino will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Microcontroller Programmer

A microcontroller programmer writes software that runs on small, low-power processors embedded in various devices. This course provides direct training for such a role, emphasizing practical object-oriented programming on an Arduino platform. The course's curriculum, which covers reusable code, libraries, and clean architectures, is highly pertinent to the role. The microcontroller programmer can then use the skills learned from this course to create efficiently designed and maintainable code. The course's focus on hands-on projects—like the LED class and sensor interaction—aligns strongly with the daily tasks of a microcontroller programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microcontroller Programmer

Firmware Engineer

A firmware engineer develops low-level software that interacts directly with hardware, often on microcontrollers. This course is an ideal fit since it provides hands-on experience with object-oriented programming on an Arduino platform, creating reusable code and libraries. The course directly addresses the fundamentals of working with hardware components like LEDs, sensors, and motors. The ability to create flexible code architectures, which this course provides, is essential for a firmware engineer to develop robust and well-organized embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

A mechatronics engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design complex systems. This course directly helps the mechatronics engineer by providing hands-on experience with object-oriented programming of microcontrollers, which are central to mechatronics systems. The course focuses on reusable code, libraries, and clean architectures, enabling the mechatronics engineer to create robust and efficient embedded systems. The projects involving LEDs, sensors, and motor control, as covered in the course, directly align with the practical challenges faced by mechatronics engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

An embedded systems engineer designs, develops, and tests software for devices that are not traditional computers, such as those found in robotics, automobiles, and industrial equipment. This course directly applies to this role by providing practical experience in object-oriented programming (OOP) within the microcontroller environment, using Arduino as a testing ground. The focus on creating reusable source code and clean architectures is essential for building scalable and maintainable embedded systems. Furthermore, the hands-on projects involving LEDs, sensors, and motor control directly translate to the real-world challenges faced by an embedded systems engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A control systems engineer designs and implements systems to regulate dynamic processes, often using microcontrollers and embedded systems. This course is highly beneficial because it provides practical experience with object-oriented programming on an Arduino platform, which is often used in control systems. The control systems engineer will benefit from the hands-on projects that involve controlling hardware components such as LEDs, sensors, and motors, as well as best practices in creating clean code architecture to build robust control systems. This course also helps the engineer implement the basic concepts of OOP to save time when programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Robotics Software Developer

A robotics software developer creates the software that controls the movement, perception, and behavior of robots. This course is highly relevant, since it emphasizes the development of reusable and modular object-oriented code, a key skill for programming complex robotic systems. The practical experience in controlling hardware components like LEDs, sensors, and servo motors through code, as covered in this course, is directly applicable to robotics development. The course also covers creating and using libraries, which helps the robotics software developer quickly assemble complex robotic functionalities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Software Developer

Internet of Things Developer

An Internet of Things developer builds software for devices that connect to the internet, like smart home appliances and industrial sensors. This course directly prepares an IoT developer by introducing development on microcontrollers, especially the ESP32, and by creating programs to control hardware. The course provides a practical understanding of object oriented programming, which is essential for designing scalable and manageable IoT solutions. Hands-on experience with web server integration and sensor interaction, as taught in the course, are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internet of Things Developer

Automation Engineer

An automation engineer designs and implements systems to automate industrial processes. This course helps an automation engineer by providing knowledge in microcontroller programming and hardware control. Object-oriented programming principles taught here help with the creation of robust software for control systems. The ability to develop, test, and debug software for controlling sensors and actuators translates to the real-world challenges faced by automation engineers, especially those in embedded automation.

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Hardware Engineer

A hardware engineer designs and develops the physical components of electronic devices. While hardware design is the focus, this course is beneficial because it offers a strong foundation in understanding how software interacts with these components. The course's emphasis on object-oriented programming (OOP) with microcontrollers provides practical insights into how hardware is controlled, and will allow the hardware engineer to better understand the needs of the software engineers they will work with daily. The practical experience with LEDs, sensors, and motors provides valuable context for hardware development, and a basis for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Software Developer

A software developer creates computer programs for a variety of applications. This course offers practical experience in object-oriented programming, which is a fundamental concept for any software development role. Although this course focuses on microcontrollers and hardware, the software developer can take the principles of object-oriented design and apply them to high-level software projects. The course's teachings on reusable code, clean architecture and libraries will help any software developer write efficient and maintainable code.

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Electrical Engineer

An electrical engineer designs and develops electrical systems and devices. Although primarily focused on hardware design, a deeper understanding of software interactions with hardware can improve an electrical engineer's effectiveness. This course provides the electrical engineer with practical experience in object oriented programming and an understanding of how microcontrollers function. The ability to implement code for hardware controls, such as LEDs and sensors, enhances the electrical engineer's ability to collaborate with software engineers and develop more holistic system solutions. The course may be especially useful for electrical engineers working in embedded systems.

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Research Scientist

A research scientist often works on developing proof of concepts and prototypes for new technologies. This course can assist a research scientist in designing and building prototypes, especially in areas involving embedded systems, robotics, and sensor technologies. The ability to write modular, object oriented code, and to directly interface with hardware, which is core to this course, may prove to be essential for quickly creating and iterating on experimental designs. The course covers the programming of specific sensors and actuators that may also be useful in scientific data collection.

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Product Developer

A product developer works on the design and development of new products. This course is particularly relevant if the product involves embedded systems, microcontrollers, or IoT devices. The experience gained in object-oriented programming, hardware control, and creating reusable code will give the product developer a stronger insight into the technologies being used in their product. While this role crosses a range of industries, this course may be useful for those involved in the development of connected devices. This course will help them evaluate technical options and limitations.

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Software Test Engineer

A software test engineer creates and executes test plans to ensure software quality. This course provides experience in object-oriented programming with practical examples, which helps a tester understand how code is constructed, which is essential for designing comprehensive testing strategies. The course's approach to software development, including creating modular and reusable code, provides insights into potential failure points and areas that require specific testing attention. While not a direct development role, by learning about development, this course puts the software test engineer in a better position to do their work more effectively.

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Technology Consultant

A technology consultant advises clients on technology strategy and implementation. This course provides practical experience with object-oriented programming in an embedded systems context. This will help the technology consultant when working in fields which use microcontrollers and embedded hardware. The course's emphasis on clean code architecture and reusable libraries can help the consultant better advise clients on technical best practices. While the consultant does not directly develop software, the knowledge gained from this course can provide useful insights into technical decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Consultant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to object-oriented programming with Arduino.

Data Structures & Algorithms in Python

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to object-oriented programming concepts using C++. It covers topics such as classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and data abstraction in detail. Reading this book will give you a solid foundation in OOP principles, which are essential for understanding and applying object-oriented programming with Arduino. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced programmers.

Data Structures & Algorithms in Python

Paperback

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Data Structures & Algorithms in Python

Kindle Edition

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Arduino Cookbook

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Provides a collection of practical solutions and code snippets for common Arduino programming tasks. While not strictly focused on OOP, it offers valuable insights into how to structure Arduino projects and use libraries effectively. It can serve as a useful reference for implementing object-oriented designs in your Arduino projects. It is commonly used by hobbyists and professionals alike.

Arduino Cookbook: Recipes to Begin, Expand, and...

Kindle Edition

Introduction to object-oriented programming with Arduino

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical oop for arduino microcontrollers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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