4.2 Graphical Programming: Basic Operations and Functions

Code Blocks

Visual blocks which can be dragged and dropped to create a program

Code Blocks

Allow user to automatically build the text-based code in real time

Code Blocks

Build the loop() function in your Arduino program

Code Blocks

automatically add all of the necessary setup parameters

1. Simplify the Arduino programming experience to reduce common syntax errors
2. Focus on the desired interaction

objectives of code blocks

1. output
2. input
3. notation
4. control
5. math
6. variables

classifications of code blocks

output

Blocks for controlling actuators and other output-related devices connected to your programmable microcontroller

blue

\[color\] output blocks

Input

Used to read input signals from the analog or digital pins

violet

\[color\] input blocks

Notation

Blocks for adding comments, both to provide an overview of your code (in the title block) and in-line with your code

gray

\[color\] notation blocks

Control

Used to add control structures like adding delays, repeating, and if else statements

yellow

\[color\] control blocks

Math

Blocks for logic and computation

green

\[color\] math blocks

Variables

Blocks for creating and defining custom variables in the program

pink

\[color\] variables blocks

1. simpler
2. require less input from user
3. helps user to focus more on the interaction
4. structure is mapped

code blocks vs text-based