Microcontroller Programming Learning Guide

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Microcontroller Programming Learning Guide

Reading this article will take about 3 minutes.

Currently, there is a surge in learning and applying microcontrollers in factories, schools, and enterprises. Engineers and technicians accustomed to traditional electronics are facing new challenges. If one cannot learn microcontrollers in a short time, they will inevitably be left behind by the times. Only by bravely facing reality, challenging oneself, enhancing learning, and striving to master microcontroller technology in a short time can one keep pace with the times.

However, many learners (including students) often struggle to grasp the essentials, going from initial enthusiasm to final frustration and giving up, leading to a love-hate relationship with microcontrollers. Learning microcontrollers is not as intuitive as learning traditional digital or analog circuits because there is a “software” factor in addition to “hardware”.

This “software” factor makes it difficult for many beginners to understand the working process of microcontrollers. They cannot comprehend why sending a few numbers back and forth can control a light to turn on/off or control a motor’s speed. This leads to a sense of “mystique”, “awe”, or even “fear” towards microcontrollers, hindering their enthusiasm and interest in learning. This is why there is a saying in society that “microcontrollers are hard to learn.” Having interacted with numerous electronics enthusiasts and students over the years, I understand the difficulties they encounter while learning microcontrollers. Moreover, I transitioned from an electronics enthusiast to an engineer myself, so I deeply know that the difficulty in learning microcontrollers mainly stems from not grasping the essentials and finding it hard to get started.

Once a shortcut to learning is found, and one can initially master programming techniques and see practical results, confidence will inevitably increase. As one advances into new depths and breadths, anxiety will lessen, and they can steadily expand their knowledge base. Based on my experience, I will discuss learning methods, techniques, and how to learn microcontrollers in a short time.The most effective way to learn microcontrollers is to balance theory and practice.For a beginner in microcontrollers, if they follow a textbook-style learning method, starting with a pile of instructions and terminology, they may find it tedious and give up after a few days if they cannot understand what these instructions do or what practical effects they can produce. Therefore, combining learning with practice is a good method; learning while practicing, progressing step by step, will allow one to understand and internalize the instructions used, even making them “deep-rooted” in their mind.

In other words, after learning a few instructions (not seeking quantity, just understanding), the next step should be to conduct experiments. Through experiments, one can feel the control effects of the instructions just learned, visible to the eyes (light) and audible to the ears (sound), which helps deepen the understanding of how instructions convert into signals to control electronic products. To put it bluntly, microcontrollers are less about what is learned and more about what is practiced through experiments, which are also a learning process. Thus, the method of learning while practicing is particularly effective; many readers can develop simple products (like neon light advertising boards, accumulators, etc.) after 3 to 6 months of learning.Learning microcontrollers requires reasonable time management and perseverance.Learning microcontrollers cannot be a “three days fishing, two days drying the net” approach. One must have perseverance and determination. After learning a few instructions, experiments should be conducted promptly to integrate knowledge rather than waiting days or weeks to experiment, as this leads to poor results or forgetting what was learned. Additionally, one should be mentally prepared for a “long battle”, not just studying for a few days when interested and then neglecting it for weeks when disinterested. A key point in learning microcontrollers is perseverance.Learning microcontrollers should use a cyclic learning method to make knowledge deep-rooted.I have previously hosted a seminar titled “Hands-On Guide to Learning Microcontrollers” in other publications, which had a low entry point, allowing many friends to find it easy to learn and quickly complete the seminar from start to finish. However, after a few months, they might forget the specific functions of the instructions when developing products. According to modern scientific research, knowledge learned briefly is only slightly better than a surface understanding.

Therefore, a better method is to revisit the material after a period (1 to 2 months) and repeat this process several times to thoroughly understand and digest the material, ensuring it is never forgotten. As the saying goes: if one could read “Water Margin” 10 times, the stories and characters would be unforgettable for life.Investing in learning materials and experimental equipment is necessary.Microcontroller technology is a high-value skill; once mastered, the benefits it brings are substantial, whether in job hunting or starting a business, the prospects are bright. Therefore, it is essential to invest in necessary learning and experimental equipment and frequently visit technology bookstores to buy books suitable for one’s learning and improvement. In summary, without sowing in spring, where comes the autumn harvest?

Considering the learning costs, beginners can adopt the method of “software simulation after program completion → burning program into the microcontroller → conducting experiments on the experiment board” (current flash microcontrollers can have their programs burned over 1000 times). This entire set of experimental equipment (excluding the PC) costs only a few hundred yuan, which is affordable for most enthusiasts who are already working. Readers with better financial conditions can consider using online simulators (ICE) for experiments, which provide better intuitiveness during learning. In summary, what I have discussed here is based on my personal experience. We hope to lead beginners into the world of microcontrollers with the most practical methods and the easiest entry techniques, allowing those who only slightly understand hardware principles to comprehend the role of software through practice, and to understand that in systems composed of microcontrollers, the distinction between hardware and software is not absolute; generally, what hardware can do, software can also accomplish, and software functions can often be replaced by hardware.

Once one has initially learned microcontroller software design, they can delegate tasks typically performed by hardware to software, significantly reducing the system’s size, power consumption, and cost, while enhancing and improving functionality. This gives those accustomed to traditional circuit design a profound sense of regret for not discovering microcontrollers sooner, as they truly find an ideal device and experience the powerful role of modern microcontrollers, thus immersing themselves in the field of microcontrollers. As long as you are willing to work hard, put in effort, and practice more, you will surely succeed.

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