Workshop one

Microcontrollers

Computer and processor are generic terms for anything that can run a program, basically.
A controller or microcontroller usually refers to a simple processor that does only one task, like listening to sensors.
In explaining microcontrollers, we’ll distinguish them from computers, which contain more powerful processors that can run an operating system.

Arduino

what is an Arduino?

Arduino is an open source physical computing platform based on a simple input/output (I/O) board and a development environment that implements the Processing language. Arduino can be used to develop standalone interactive objects or can be connected to software on your computer.

Arduino is composed of two major parts: the Arduino board, which is the piece of hardware you work on when you build your objects;
and the Arduino IDE, the piece of software you run on your computer. You use the IDE to createa sketch (a little computer program)
that you upload to the Arduino board. The sketch tells the board what to do.

In the meantime, HERE you can find ANYTHING about Arduino, including download the software

find a detailed introduction here [[1]]

The pins on your Arduino are the places where you connect wires to construct a circuit (probably in conjunction with a breadboard and some wire. They usually have black plastic ‘headers’ that allow you to just plug a wire right into the board. The Arduino has several different kinds of pins, each of which is labeled on the board and used for different functions.

Adafruit Circuit Playground Express & Blue Fruit

How's that different?

The Circuit Playground Express is also a microcontroller, produced by Adafruit, just like the Arduino Uno, however, it includes a bunch of build-in sensors to detect motion, temperature, light, and infrared light, and also has neopixel lights, and mini speakers. Circuit Playground Express can be programmed using Arduino IDE, CircuitPython, and Microsoft MakeCode.

Thus, is a little different from the normal boards from the hardware side, since the pins go out to those big wide sewable pads, instead of normal pin headers (like on the Uno)

Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

How's that different?

The Circuit Playground Express produced by Adafruit, are microcontrollers, just like the Arduino Uno, but designed for wearable projects.

Thus, is a little different from the normal boards from the hardware side, since the pins go out to those big wide sewable pads, instead of normal pin headers (like on the Uno)

because Circuit Playground Express running on a faster processor compared to Arduino Uno. We can also use it for audio-based projects.