Arduino Basics

What is a microcontroller? - A computer system on a single chip. It is programmable, has hardware interfaces, and can operate standalone (does not need to stay tethered to a computer once programmed).

What is an Arduino? - A type of microcontroller. VCU uses the Ruggeduino, which uses the same chip as the Arduino Uno but is indestructible.

What is an embedded system? - A microcontroller used as part of a larger system or machine (not as a standalone general-purpose computer).

How do you get code onto an Arduino? - You write and compile the code on a computer in the Arduino IDE, then download it to the Arduino via USB.

What are the TWO required functions in every Arduino program? - void setup() — runs once; void loop() — runs continuously forever.

What does setup() do? - Runs exactly once to initialize variables and configure hardware.

What does loop() do? - Runs continuously and infinitely after setup() completes.

What language does Arduino use? - Primarily C, with some constructs from C++. It is a compiled language.

What is the difference between a compiled and interpretive language? - Interpretive (Python) runs line by line; Compiled (C) must fix ALL syntax errors before running.

What is the best Arduino debugging strategy? - Write a little code, test it, and use Serial.println() to print variable values to the Serial Monitor.

Why does Arduino use the 'read one point, output one point' approach? - Because microcontrollers have very limited memory (SRAM).

What is a variable in C? - A named location in memory where a value can be stored and retrieved.

What is the int data type? - A signed integer. On the Arduino Uno: 2 bytes, range -32768 to 32767.

What is the long data type? - A signed integer. 4 bytes, used when values exceed int range.

What is a float? - Single-precision decimal number used for math requiring decimals.

What is integer overflow (wrap-around)? - When the result of integer math exceeds the range, the value wraps around like an odometer.

What is integer division? - Long division where the result is the quotient only (e.g., 3/5 = 0).

What is the modulo operator (%)? - Returns the remainder of integer division.

What is the bool/boolean type? - A logical true/false variable (HIGH=1, LOW=0).

How do you declare an array in C? - Type name[size]; e.g., int a[10]; Size is fixed after declaration.

What are the logical operators in C? - && (AND), || (OR), ! (NOT) .

Is there a built-in pi constant on the Arduino? - No. You must define it yourself: const float pi = 3.14159