The peak of learning and applying microcontrollers is rapidly rising in factories, schools, and enterprises. Engineers and technicians accustomed to traditional electronics are facing new challenges; those who cannot learn microcontrollers in a short time 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 era.However, many learners (including students) often find it difficult to grasp the essentials. From the initial enthusiasm for learning to eventual frustration and abandonment, they develop a love-hate relationship with microcontrollers.Learning microcontrollers is not as intuitive as learning traditional digital or analog circuits, because in addition to “hardware,” there is also a “software” factor.This software factor leaves many beginners confused about how microcontrollers work. They cannot understand why sending a few numbers can control a light to turn on/off or adjust a motor’s speed. This creates a sense of “mystique,” “awe,” and even “fear” towards microcontrollers, hindering their enthusiasm and interest in learning, which has led to the common belief that “microcontrollers are hard to learn.”Having interacted with many electronics enthusiasts and students over the years, I understand the difficulties they encounter in learning microcontrollers. Moreover, I myself have grown from an electronics enthusiast to an engineer, so I know that the process involves learning, exploration, practice, and progress. Therefore, I deeply realize that learning microcontrollers is challenging mainly because of the difficulty in grasping the essentials. Once a shortcut to learning is found, and one can initially master programming techniques and achieve practical results, confidence will inevitably increase. Subsequently, when advancing to new depths and breadths, one will feel less anxious and more at ease, able to expand their knowledge step by step. Based on my experience, I will discuss learning methods, techniques, and how to learn microcontrollers in a short time.The most effective method for learning microcontrollers is a balance of theory and practice.For a beginner in microcontrollers, if one follows a textbook-style approach, starting with a pile of instructions and terms, they may find it tedious and give up after a few days without understanding the practical effects of these instructions. Therefore, combining learning with practice is a good method—learning while practicing, progressing gradually. This way, within a few sessions, one can understand, digest, and root the instructions in their mind, even to the point of becoming “deeply ingrained.” In other words, after learning a few instructions (not focusing on quantity, but on understanding), the next step should be to conduct experiments. Through experiments, one can witness the control effects of the instructions, seeing (lights) and hearing (sounds), which deepens the understanding of how instructions convert into signals to control electronic products. To put it bluntly, microcontrollers are less about learning and more about experimenting; moreover, experimentation itself is a learning process. Therefore, the method of learning while practicing is particularly effective; many readers have developed simple products (such as neon light advertising signs, accumulators, etc.) after 3 to 6 months of study.Learning microcontrollers requires reasonable time management and perseverance.Learning microcontrollers cannot be a “three days fishing, two days drying the net” approach. It requires perseverance and determination. After learning a few instructions, one should promptly conduct experiments to integrate the knowledge, rather than waiting for days or weeks to find time for experiments, as this leads to ineffective learning and forgetting previous knowledge. Additionally, one should be mentally prepared for a “protracted battle,” not just studying for a few days when interested and then abandoning it for weeks when disinterested. A crucial point in learning microcontrollers is persistence.Learning microcontrollers should involve a cyclical learning method to reinforce understanding.I have previously held a seminar titled “Hands-On Teaching You to Learn Microcontrollers” in other publications. This seminar has a low entry point, and many participants found it easy to learn and quickly completed the seminar. However, after a few months, they tend to forget the specific functions of the instructions when developing products. According to modern scientific research, knowledge learned only briefly is at best slightly better than superficial understanding. Therefore, a better method is to revisit the material after some time (1 to 2 months); repeating this cycle several times ensures thorough understanding and retention. As the saying goes: if one could read “Water Margin” 10 times, the stories and characters will be unforgettable.Investing in experimental equipment and learning materials is essential for learning microcontrollers.Microcontroller technology is a high-value skill, and once mastered, it brings significant benefits, whether for job applications or starting one’s own business. Therefore, it is important to invest appropriately in necessary learning and experimental equipment. Additionally, one should frequently visit technology bookstores to purchase suitable books that can aid in learning and improvement. In summary, without sowing in spring, there will be no harvest in autumn. Considering the learning costs, beginners can adopt the method of “software simulation after program completion → programming the microcontroller → conducting experiments with the experimental board” (modern flash microcontrollers can be programmed over 1000 times). The entire set of experimental equipment (excluding the PC) costs only a few hundred yuan, which is affordable for most enthusiasts already in the workforce. Those with better financial conditions may consider using online simulators (ICE) for experiments, as this provides a more intuitive learning experience.In conclusion, what I have discussed here is based on my personal experience. We hope to lead beginners into the world of microcontrollers using the most practical methods and the easiest approaches, allowing those who only slightly understand hardware principles to grasp the role of software through practice. They should 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 the functions of software can often be replaced by hardware. Once beginners have initially learned microcontroller software design, they can delegate tasks usually performed by hardware to software, thereby significantly reducing the system’s size, power consumption, and cost while enhancing functionality. This will lead those accustomed to traditional circuit design to feel a deep sense of regret for not having discovered microcontrollers sooner, realizing they have found an ideal component and truly experiencing the powerful role of modern microcomputers, thus immersing themselves in the field of microcontrollers. As long as you are willing to put in effort, work hard, and practice more, you will surely succeed.
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