What will I actually learn in this Arduino course?

You'll learn how the Arduino platform works and how to write C code that interacts with hardware. It starts with the board, the IDE, and shields, then builds into core programming, sketch structure, pins, and serial communication. You'll compile and upload code, run examples like Blink, and use serial output to debug simple embedded programs.

Do I need programming experience before taking this course?

No, you don't need prior Arduino experience, but some basic programming familiarity will help. The course uses C and the Arduino IDE early, and it moves into variables, loops, functions, and simple program structure rather than teaching programming from zero. If you've already seen basic coding concepts, you'll have an easier time with the embedded examples.

Is this course beginner-friendly for Arduino?

It is beginner-friendly if you're new to Arduino but not completely new to programming. The course begins with the board and the IDE, then steadily moves into C code, sketches, pins, and debugging. If variables, conditionals, and loops are all brand new to you, the pace may feel a bit fast.

How long does it take to complete this course?

Plan on about 12 hours in total, or roughly 1 to 2 weeks if you study around 10 hours a week. You'll want time for lessons and readings as well as quizzes and graded practice. The course includes lessons, readings, quizzes, and hands-on assignments, so steady progress works well.

Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?

Yes, there is hands-on work, and it's mostly guided rather than project-heavy. You'll install the Arduino IDE, write short programs, and work through tasks like the Blink example or controlling the built-in LED through serial input. The course recommends Arduino hardware for assessments, though it also points learners to a web-based simulator. That way, you apply each idea as you learn it instead of only reading about it.

What skills and topics are covered in this course?

You'll cover how the Arduino board, IDE, and toolchain work, along with the C programming ideas needed to write and run code. The course then moves into sketches, pins, and serial communication, including how the Serial library is used for debugging and data exchange. By the end, you should have a clearer picture of how software reaches the board and interacts with external devices.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

After finishing, you should be able to write and upload basic Arduino programs, work with digital and analog pins, and debug simple embedded behavior. For example, you could set up a sketch with setup() and loop(), read input from the serial interface, and use it to control the built-in LED. You'll also be better able to read compiler feedback and serial output when something isn't working as expected.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It's more concept-first, with guided practice built in. The course spends plenty of time explaining how the board, sketches, and debugging process work, then reinforces that through short coding exercises and assignments rather than large open-ended builds.

Why would I choose this course over other Arduino courses?

This course is a strong choice if you want Arduino explained from both the hardware and software side, not just through isolated example builds. Instead of focusing only on getting a project running, it spends time on board schematics, the build process, C programming, and serial debugging, so you understand what the code is doing. If you want to reason about embedded behavior, not just follow wiring steps, this course is a better fit than a more project-only introduction.

The Arduino Platform and C Programming

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The Arduino Platform and C Programming

This course is part of An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT) Specialization

Instructor: Ian Harris

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

7,216 reviews

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

7,216 reviews

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Outline Arduino board components and functions.
Program Arduino using C language fundamentals.
Debug embedded software on Arduino platforms.
Implement serial communication protocols.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

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Assessments

8 assignments¹

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT) Specialization

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course introduces the Arduino, an open-source platform for building digital devices and interactive objects. You'll explore the Arduino board, its libraries, and the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Learn to program Arduino using C code, control external devices via pins, and understand how shields extend functionality. This program is ideal for aspiring software developers, embedded systems engineers, and hobbyists eager to create interactive hardware projects.

Module details

Dive into the Arduino environment! This module introduces you to the Arduino board, its IDE, and powerful shields. You'll explore components, understand schematics, and learn to install and use the IDE for writing and uploading code. Discover how shields expand your projects' capabilities. This knowledge is key to transforming your C programming skills into tangible, interactive digital devices.

What's included

9 videos2 readings2 assignments

9 videosTotal 51 minutes

Module 1 Introduction1 minute
Lecture 1.1: Arduino Platform8 minutes
Lecture 1.2: Arduino Board8 minutes
Lecture 1.3: Direct Programming4 minutes
Lecture 2.1: Arduino Schematics5 minutes
Lecture 2.2: Arduino IDE8 minutes
Lecture 2.3: Compiling Code5 minutes
Lecture 3.1: Arduino Shields and Libraries6 minutes
Lecture 3.2: Arduino Basic Setup6 minutes

2 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Course Overview10 minutes
Module 1: Objectives and Reading20 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes
Install the Arduino IDE on your computer60 minutes

Welcome to the foundational module on C programming! Here, you'll master the essential C language basics needed for Arduino projects. We'll cover syntax, variables, operators, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end, you'll confidently write basic C code. This module is your crucial first step in bringing your digital device ideas to life with Arduino.

What's included

9 videos2 readings2 assignments

9 videosTotal 62 minutes

Module 2 Introduction1 minute
Lecture 1.1: Setting Up Your Environment8 minutes
Lecture 1.2: Hello World7 minutes
Lecture 1.3: Variables5 minutes
Lecture 2.1: Basic C Operators7 minutes
Lecture 2.2: Conditionals8 minutes
Lecture 2.3: Loops9 minutes
Lecture 3.1: Functions11 minutes
Lecture 3.2: Global Variables7 minutes

2 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Module 2 Objectives and Readings45 minutes
Planning Ahead for Modules 3 and 410 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes
Program to compute Fibonacci sequence60 minutes

Unlock the power of Arduino sketches! This module guides you through the structure of an Arduino program, from compilation to upload. You'll explore the Arduino IDE's role in the build process and master the `setup()` and `loop()` functions. Learn how to access Arduino pins directly from your code, enabling you to control physical components and build your own digital devices.

What's included

10 videos2 readings2 assignments

10 videosTotal 58 minutes

Module 3 Introduction1 minute
Lecture 1.1: Arduino Toolchain5 minutes
Lecture 1.2: Cross-Compilation5 minutes
Lecture 1.3: Arduino Sketches10 minutes
Lecture 2.1: Classes7 minutes
Lecture 2.2: Sketch Structure5 minutes
Lecture 2.3: Pins7 minutes
Lecture 3.1: Input and Output7 minutes
Lecture 3.2: Blink Example6 minutes
Video Demonstration: Arduino Blink Example5 minutes

2 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Module 3 Objectives and Readings30 minutes
Information About the Arduino10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes
Fast vs. Slow Timing and Loops60 minutes

Ready to tackle challenges? This module introduces essential debugging techniques for embedded software on Arduino. You'll learn about controllability and observability, and how to leverage the UART communication protocol and Serial library for effective debugging. Master these skills to ensure your Arduino projects run flawlessly and reliably.

What's included

9 videos2 readings2 assignments

9 videosTotal 72 minutes

Module 4 Introduction1 minute
Lecture 1.1: Debugging12 minutes
Lecture 1.2: Debug Environments13 minutes
Lecture 1.3: Debug via Serial8 minutes
Lecture 2.1: UART Protocol8 minutes
Lecture 2.2: UART Synchronization8 minutes
Lecture 2.3: UART Parity and Stop6 minutes
Lecture 3.1: Serial on Arduino11 minutes
Lecture 3.2: Reading from Serial5 minutes

2 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Objectives and Reading20 minutes
Information about the Arduino10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 4 Quiz 30 minutes
Control the Built-In LED with Serial Input30 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(1,135 ratings)

Ian Harris

University of California, Irvine

9 Courses652,162 learners

Offered by

University of California, Irvine

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Reviewed on May 10, 2020

Course was great and interesting to learn. Explanation of concepts was nice and easy to grasp. After Completion of Course worth checking out the next Course in series of specialization.

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2019

Great ! Like in a real lecture. Anyone can learn from this course without a problem. like real lecture this has pop up question middle of the video and readings too. Nice

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2019

THIS COURSE HAS GIVING ME MORE HOPE AN EASY WAY OF LEARNING.I WOULD HAVE WASTED MORE TIME MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO THE OTHER IN OTHER TO LEARN WHAT I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT ON THIS PLATFORM

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