Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster from Udemy

Learn the Arduino platform and programming language to create robots, interactive art displays, electronic toys, home automation tools, and much more. This course was created in collaboration with Hackster.

Master the skills needed to bring your projects to life through electronics.

Learn to program in Arduino (C/C++)
Build electronics that sense and react to the environment
Remotely log data to an Internet of Things (IoT) platform
Use the Internet to control your Arduino from anywhere in the world

A versatile tool for prototyping, playing, and making

Arduino is both a hardware platform and programming language. By learning how to build circuits and code, you can add a new level of interactivity to your projects, prototype potential products, and gain new skills (while hopefully having fun).

The Arduino programming language is based on a combination of C and C++. With an understanding of these coding fundamentals, you will be able to more easily learn new languages, such as Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, and Swift, which are in high demand in the job market.

Course Overview

The first version of Arduino was released in 2003 and has exploded in popularity among makers, hobbyists, and tinkerers, who build everything from animatronic sculptures to interactive wearables. Professional engineers and entrepreneurs sometimes start with an Arduino to create a prototype before developing a finished product. The iconic blue board has even found its way into classrooms, where educators use it to teach programming, electronics, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

I designed this course with the absolute beginner in mind: if you do not have any experience with programming or electronics, that’s OK. The first few sections walk you through the basics behind programming in C/C++ as part of the Arduino framework as well as how to build simple circuits that flash lights and spin motors. Following that, we continue our adventure into making noise, sensing the environment, and building a robot. Finally, we dive into the world of IoT, where we learn how to pass messages over the Internet, which allows us to do things like turn on a light with our smartphone.

Each video lecture is designed to give you one building block of knowledge. Almost every lecture is followed by a hands-on exercise where I ask you to expand on that building block or combine several previous blocks. I provide solutions to each exercise to help you learn. Additionally, most of the sections contain a project that challenges you to synthesize many of the concepts found in that section and from previous sections.

Upon completing this course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to create fun and useful Arduino projects.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master the fundamentals of arduino programming with c/c++
Build functioning circuits on a breadboard
Control sensors, robots, and internet of things (iot) devices using arduino

Write programs that perform basic math, light up leds, and control motors
Design circuits and write code for your own project

Master the fundamentals of arduino programming with c/c++
Build functioning circuits on a breadboard
Control sensors, robots, and internet of things (iot) devices using arduino
Write programs that perform basic math, light up leds, and control motors
Design circuits and write code for your own project

Syllabus

Set up the Arduino software or simulator, copy code from examples, and modify them to control an LED or print a string.

Prologue

The Road Ahead

What is Arduino?

Using the Simulator (Tinkercad)

Required Parts (for Hands-On)

Installing the Arduino IDE (for Hands-On)

Getting to Blink

Challenge: Change Blink

Solution: Change Blink

Debugging with Serial

Challenge: Say Your Name over Serial

Solution: Say Your Name over Serial

Write Arduino programs from scratch that will perform basic math, execute loops, call functions, and manipulate arrays and Strings.

Introduction: Programming in Arduino

Syntax, Program Flow, and Comments

Literals, Variables, and Data Types

Arithmetic Operators

Challenge: Count with a Variable

Solution: Count with a Variable

Conditional Statements

Challenge: Fizz

Solution: Fizz

Loops

Challenge: Countdown and Wait

Solution: Countdown and Wait

Writing Functions

Challenge: power()

Solution: power()

Scope

Challenge: Sum Digits

Solution: Sum Digits

Arrays and Strings

Challenge: Compute the Average

Solution: Compute the Average

Finding and Fixing Bugs

Challenge: Fix All the Bugs!

Solution: Fix All the Bugs!

Using the String Object

Challenge: L33t Sp34k

Solution: L33t Sp34k

Reading Serial Input

Challenge: Combine First and Last Name

Solution: Combine First and Last Name

Random Numbers

Challenge: Dice Roller

Solution: Dice Roller

Describe what makes up a circuit, read a schematic, build functioning circuits on a breadboard, and use Ohm's Law to calculate the required resistor given a voltage and current

Introduction: What is a Circuit?

Using a Breadboard

Reading a Schematic

Applying Ohm's Law

Challenge: Find the Right Resistor

Series vs. Parallel Resistors

Challenge: Compute Equivalent Resistance

Solution: Compute Equivalent Resistance

How to Read the Resistor Code

Challenge: Translate Some Resistors

Solution: Translate Some Resistors

Voltage Dividers

Challenge: Make 3V from 5V

Solution: Make 3V from 5V

Diodes

Challenge: Reverse Polarity Protection

Solution: Reverse Polarity Protection

LEDs

Challenge: Find the Limiting Resistor

Solution: Find the Limiting Resistor

Debugging Circuits

Turn LEDs on and off through code, adjust the brightness and intensity of LEDs, install and use the NeoPixel library.

Introduction: What is GPIO?

Controlling LEDs

Challenge: FizzBlink

Solution: FizzBlink

Pulse Width Modulation

analogWrite()

Challenge: Color Mixer

Solution: Color Mixer

Using a Shift Register

Challenge: Simple Larson Scanner

Solution: Simple Larson Scanner

Including a Library

Using NeoPixels

Challenge: Fun Patterns

Solution: Fun Patterns

Project: Advanced Larson Scanner

Understand reading digital signals and respond to buttons, switches, and knobs.

Introduction: User Input

Switches

Challenge: LED Selector

Solution: LED Selector

Buttons

Challenge: Manual Blink

Solution: Manual Blink

External Pull-Up Resistor

Challenge: Toggle Button

Solution: Toggle Button

Internal Pull-Up Resistor

Challenge: Push to Count

Solution: Push to Count

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for complete beginners

The videos are accompanied by hands-on exercises to help you retain knowledge

Provides a solid foundation in programming fundamentals and electronics

Helps you develop practical skills by building projects

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from basic programming to IoT

Teaches the fundamentals of C/C++ programming

Reviews summary

Hackster hardware foundations

According to students, Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster is a great foundational course. A notable takeaway is that the instructor is regarded very highly, students say he has an awesome dude-like face.

Students love the instructor.

"I can't quite put my finger on it but there is something about the dude's face that just makes the whole experience awesome."

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 Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster with these activities:

Review basic electronics concepts

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Strengthen your foundational understanding of electronics by reviewing basic concepts and terminology.

Browse courses on Electronics

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Gather resources like textbooks, online courses, or articles.
Review topics such as Ohm's law, resistors, capacitors, and breadboards.
Solve practice problems or build simple circuits to reinforce your understanding.

Read 'Arduino: A Quick-Start Guide'

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Expand your understanding of Arduino fundamentals and get a head start on the course material by reading this introductory book.

View Arduino: A Quick-Start Guide on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read through the chapters covering basic concepts and setup.
Take notes and highlight important sections.

Identify potential Arduino mentors in your community

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Seek guidance and support from experienced Arduino enthusiasts by identifying potential mentors.

Browse courses on Arduino

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Attend Arduino meetups or workshops to connect with people.
Look for online forums or communities dedicated to Arduino.
Reach out to individuals whose projects or contributions align with your interests.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Create a simple LED blinking circuit

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Get hands-on experience with Arduino hardware and basic electronics by building a simple LED blinking circuit.

Browse courses on LEDs

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Gather necessary components like LED, resistor, and wires.
Connect the components to the Arduino board following a circuit diagram.
Write an Arduino program to blink the LED.
Upload the program to the Arduino board and test the circuit.

Follow Arduino tutorials on Instructables or Hackster.io

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Enhance your practical skills by following step-by-step tutorials to build Arduino projects.

Browse courses on Arduino

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Explore websites like Instructables or Hackster.io for Arduino tutorials.
Select tutorials that align with your interests and skill level.
Follow the instructions and build the projects yourself.

Form a study group with classmates

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Enhance your learning experience by collaborating with peers, discussing concepts, and working on projects together.

Browse courses on Arduino

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Reach out to classmates and form a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and a communication channel.
Discuss course material, share resources, and work on projects collaboratively.

Solve Arduino programming exercises

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Solidify your understanding of Arduino programming concepts by solving coding exercises and challenges.

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Find online coding exercises or join coding platforms.
Choose exercises aligned with the topics covered in the course.
Attempt to solve the exercises on your own.
Review solutions and compare your approach.

Attend a local Arduino meetup or workshop

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Connect with other Arduino enthusiasts, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Arduino

Show steps

Search for Arduino meetups or workshops in your area.
Register or RSVP to attend the event.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own projects.

Build an Arduino project and document your process

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Deepen your understanding of Arduino by designing and building a project from scratch, and then documenting your process.

Browse courses on Arduino

Show steps

Brainstorm project ideas and choose one to work on.
Gather necessary components and plan the project.
Build the project and test its functionality.
Document your process, including code, schematics, and any challenges encountered.

Career center

Learners who complete Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture electronic devices and systems. They work on a wide range of products, from consumer electronics to medical devices. Electronics Engineers use their knowledge of electronics to ensure that electronic devices and systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Electronics Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. They work on a wide range of projects, from small residential buildings to large industrial facilities. Electrical Engineers use their knowledge of electricity and electronics to ensure that electrical systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Electrical Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware. They work on a wide range of products, from personal computers to supercomputers. Computer Hardware Engineers use their knowledge of electronics and computer architecture to ensure that computer hardware operates safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Computer Hardware Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and test robots. They work on a wide range of robots, from small personal robots to large industrial robots. Robotics Engineers use their knowledge of electronics, computer science, and mechanical engineering to ensure that robots operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Robotics Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They work on a wide range of applications, from mobile apps to enterprise software. Software Developers use their knowledge of computer science and programming to ensure that software applications operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Software Developers who want to work on embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and then design and develop systems that meet those needs. Systems Analysts use their knowledge of computer science, programming, and business to ensure that computer systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Systems Analysts who want to work on embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They work on a wide range of products, from furniture to medical devices. Industrial Designers use their knowledge of design, engineering, and ergonomics to ensure that products are safe, efficient, and easy to use. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Industrial Designers who want to work on products that incorporate electronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop products that meet the needs of users. They work on a wide range of products, from consumer electronics to medical devices. Product Designers use their knowledge of design, engineering, and marketing to ensure that products are safe, efficient, and easy to use. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Product Designers who want to work on products that incorporate electronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Electrical Technician

Electrical Technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment. They work on a wide range of projects, from small residential buildings to large industrial facilities. Electrical Technicians use their knowledge of electricity and electronics to ensure that electrical systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Electrical Technicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Technician

Robotics Technician

Robotics Technicians install, maintain, and repair robots. They work on a wide range of robots, from small personal robots to large industrial robots. Robotics Technicians use their knowledge of electronics, computer science, and mechanical engineering to ensure that robots operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Robotics Technicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician

Electronics Technician

Electronics Technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic devices and systems. They work on a wide range of products, from consumer electronics to medical devices. Electronics Technicians use their knowledge of electronics to ensure that electronic devices and systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Electronics Technicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Technician

Computer Hardware Technician

Computer Hardware Technicians install, maintain, and repair computer hardware. They work on a wide range of products, from personal computers to supercomputers. Computer Hardware Technicians use their knowledge of electronics and computer architecture to ensure that computer hardware operates safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Computer Hardware Technicians.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems. They work on a wide range of products, from cars to airplanes. Mechanical Engineers use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering to ensure that mechanical systems operate safely and efficiently. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster can help you build a foundation in these areas by teaching you the basics of electronics and programming. The course will also teach you how to design and build simple circuits, which is a valuable skill for Mechanical Engineers who want to work on products that incorporate electronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Engineering Manager

Engineering Managers oversee the work of engineers and other technical staff. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing engineering projects. Engineering Managers use their knowledge of engineering and management to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster may be useful for Engineering Managers who want to learn more about electronics and programming. The course can help Managers understand the technical challenges that their teams face and make better decisions about project planning and execution.

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Engineering Educator

Engineering Educators teach engineering courses at colleges and universities. They are responsible for developing and delivering course content, grading student work, and advising students. Engineering Educators use their knowledge of engineering and education to prepare students for careers in engineering. Arduino Programming and Hardware Fundamentals with Hackster may be useful for Engineering Educators who want to learn more about electronics and programming. The course can help Educators develop new course content or update existing content to reflect the latest advances in technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Educator