First lecture on introductory programming for MzTEK. It covers basic workflow and primitive data types. It is assumed you are at least a little familiar with Processing and/or Arduino.

2. WHAT WILL WE COVER?
• Howcomputers work and the tools we can use to make them
do what we want
• The core components of a program
• Data types
• Control structures
• Functions
• Understanding code someone else has written
• Look at programming for the Arduino and Processing
environments

3. INTRODUCTIONS
• Describe your experience with programming
• What is something you want to be able to do? a dream project?

4. PAIRED PROGRAMMING
• Find a partner with similar experience as you
• You will share a computer and take turns typing
• All exercises will be done in pairs

5. WHAT ARE PROGRAMS AND
WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

6. COMPUTERS ARE STUPID

7. Code You’ve Instructions for
Written ? Computer
Executable Program
(e.g. .exe or .app)

8. Code You’ve Instructions for
Written ? Computer
Compiler Executable Program
+ (e.g. .exe or .app)
Linker
+
Loader

9. Interactive
Development
Environment (IDE)
Code You’ve Instructions for
Written ? Computer
Compiler Executable Program
+ (e.g. .exe or .app)
Linker
+
Loader

10. Think of idea
Write code
Run
program

11. Think of idea
Break down problem
into tiny steps
Write code for
one step
Run
program

12. EXERCISE
Write out the steps to either:
• Knit a scarf
• Make mashed potatoes
Identify the variables and break down steps to simplest
instructions. What gets repeated?
What would you need to do to increase the length or increase
the number of servings?

13. WHY DO WE NEED TO
COMPILE PROGRAMS?

14. Interactive
Development
Environment (IDE)
Code You’ve Instructions for
Written ? Computer
Compiler Executable Program
+ (e.g. .exe or .app)
Linker
+
Loader

15. An IDE like Processing
or Arduino includes
• text editor
• compiler and linker
• other tools to help
you

16. Compiler
• Translate your text into a language
(symbols) that a computer
understands
Linker
• Combine the compiled output of
what you’ve written with what
? other people have written such as
libraries
Loader
• On the Arduino chip, the program
needs to be moved from your
computer to the chip. With
Processing, your computer is
running the program, so it doesn’t
need to be moved.

17. BRIEF HISTORY OF ARDUINO
• Arduino means a piece of hardware, a programming language, and
an IDE
• The
hardware is a microcontroller plus surrounding circuitry and is
completely open - you can build your own board if you want to!
• Language
is based on Wiring which is based on Processing and
C++ (a very common language)
• IDEis written in Java and derived from Processing IDE and Wiring
Project

18. BRIEF HISTORY OF PROCESSING
• Processing is a set of libraries and a development environment
• Initially developed to teach programming through visuals
• The Processing Development Environment uses Java (another
very common programming language)
• Can use the Processing libraries outside of the Processing
Development Environment

19. EXERCISE
Hook up Arduino board to /*
computer and open the Blink
Turns on an LED on for one second, then off
Arduino IDE. for one second, repeatedly.
This example code is in the public domain.
How do you choose the */
compiler settings? How do void setup() {
// initialize the digital pin as an output.
you set up the loader? // Pin 13 has an LED connected on most Arduino
boards:
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
}
Open the blink example and
void loop() {
save as a new sketch digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // set the LED on
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(13, LOW); // set the LED off
Change blink time so the LED }
delay(1000); // wait for a second
stays on for 5 seconds.

20. HOW DO WE STORE DATA?
-OR-
WHAT ARE VARIABLES?

21. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
chopped 1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
3 garlic cloves, crushed
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes into small pieces
1x290g jar antipasti marinated 800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

22. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
chopped 1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
3 garlic cloves, crushed
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes into small pieces
1x290g jar antipasti marinated 800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

23. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
chopped 1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
3 garlic cloves, crushed
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes into small pieces
1x290g jar antipasti marinated 800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

24. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
We would be very irritated if
fresh leaves, chopped
chopped there was an ingredient needed,
1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
that wasn’t included here.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes into small pieces
1x290g jar antipasti marinated 800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

25. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
We would be very irritated if
fresh leaves, chopped
chopped there was an ingredient needed,
1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
that wasn’t included here.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
The units used to describe the amount
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes
of the ingredients varies according to
1x290g jar antipasti marinated
into small pieces
800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
the culture of the person cooking.
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

26. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
from the jar 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of
6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon,
We would be very irritated if
fresh leaves, chopped
chopped there was an ingredient needed,
1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of
fresh leaves, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
that wasn’t included here.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil
1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
The units used to describe the amount
2 large glasses of red wine
A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
2x400g cans chopped tomatoes
of the ingredients varies according to
1x290g jar antipasti marinated
into small pieces
800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti
the culture of the person cooking.
mushrooms, drained
Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it
until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and
boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes,
It’s easier to follow the directions when
drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.
1. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop
before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lidof simmer the
you don’t have to list the amounts and
ingredients within the directions.
Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally.
At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.
2. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the
time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the
spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more
cheese and a twist of black
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/spaghettibolognese_67868

27. int x;
int y;
int width;
int height;
size(200, 200);
x = 150;
y = 100;
width = 90;
height = 80;
ellipse(x, y, width, height);

28. int x;
int y;
int width;
ingredients or variables
int height;
size(200, 200);
x = 150;
y = 100;
width = 90;
height = 80;
ellipse(x, y, width, height);

29. int x;
int y;
int width;
ingredients or variables
int height;
size(200, 200);
x = 150;
y = 100; directions or algorithm
width = 90;
height = 80;
ellipse(x, y, width, height);

30. data type
int x;
int y;
int width;
ingredients or variables
int height;
size(200, 200);
x = 150;
y = 100; directions or algorithm
width = 90;
height = 80;
ellipse(x, y, width, height);

31. data type variable name
int x;
int y;
int width;
ingredients or variables
int height;
size(200, 200);
x = 150;
y = 100; directions or algorithm
width = 90;
height = 80;
ellipse(x, y, width, height);

32. Cooking uses units of weight or volume, computers use bytes.

33. Cooking uses units of weight or volume, computers use bytes.
A bit is a 0 or a 1.
0 1

34. Cooking uses units of weight or volume, computers use bytes.
A bit is a 0 or a 1.
0 1
A byte is eight 0s or 1s.

35. Cooking uses units of weight or volume, computers use bytes.
A bit is a 0 or a 1.
0 1
A byte is eight 0s or 1s.
0s and 1s are used to represent things like numbers.
It’s up to the programming language (and hardware) to
determine what kinds of things 0s and 1s can represent.

36. PRIMITIVE DATA TYPES
(FOR BOTH PROCESSING AND ARDUINO UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
boolean is true or false
boolean running = false;
In Arduino, byte is an unsigned number (no
negative numbers)
can be 0 to 255, 8-bits (2^8)
Arduino Only B is put in front to indicate numbers are
binary
byte b = B10010;
In Processing, byte is a number
can be 127 to -128, 8-bits (2^8)
Processing Only byte b = -125;

37. PRIMITIVE DATA TYPES
(FOR BOTH PROCESSING AND ARDUINO UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
int is an integer ranging from -32,768 to 32,767
int i = 23456;
long is a large integer ranging from -2,147,483,648
to 2,147,483,647
long g = 1239382345L;

38. PRIMITIVE DATA TYPES
(FOR BOTH PROCESSING AND ARDUINO UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
float is a number with a decimal point
ranging from -3.40282347E+38 to
3.40282347E+38
float f = -234.56;
char is a single letter (or symbol like “.”)
char myChar = 'A';
unsigned char is a number 0 to 255, it is better
to use the byte data type instead
unsigned char myChar = 240;

39. PRIMITIVE DATA TYPES
(FOR BOTH PROCESSING AND ARDUINO UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
word is the same as unsigned int is a
number without a decimal point ranging
from 0 to 65,535 (2^16) - 1)
Arduino Only word w = 55424;
unsigned int is a number without a decimal
point ranging from 0 to 65,535 (2^16) - 1)
unsigned int ui = 55424;
unsigned long is a large integer ranging
from 0 to 4,294,967,295 (2^32 - 1), so no
negative numbers
long g = 4239382345ul;

40. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES

41. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES
$3%^ Don’t start with a character besides a letter

42. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES
$3%^ Don’t start with a character besides a letter
abc123 Only use numbers and letters and “_”

43. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES
$3%^ Don’t start with a character besides a letter
abc123 Only use numbers and letters and “_”
if, for Can’t use words that hold meaning to the compiler

44. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES
$3%^ Don’t start with a character besides a letter
abc123 Only use numbers and letters and “_”
if, for Can’t use words that hold meaning to the compiler
rectHeight Be descriptive

45. RULES FOR NAMING VARIABLES
$3%^ Don’t start with a character besides a letter
abc123 Only use numbers and letters and “_”
if, for Can’t use words that hold meaning to the compiler
rectHeight Be descriptive
aA Case is important

46. EXERCISE
In Processing, create a sketch which draws a green ellipse.
Use the functions listed below. Look up these functions
in the Processing documentation for more guidance.
size(width, height)
fill(value1, value2, value3)
ellipse(x, y, width, height)

47. DECLARATION VS INITIALISATION
As in a recipe, ingredients
need to be listed at the top
so you know what to buy.
In code, it’s so the compiler
knows how much memory
to reserve. This is called
declaring.

48. DECLARATION VS INITIALISATION
As in a recipe, ingredients
need to be listed at the top
so you know what to buy.
In code, it’s so the compiler
knows how much memory
to reserve. This is called
declaring.
int myInt;
Reserve space for
an int

49. DECLARATION VS INITIALISATION
As in a recipe, ingredients We don’t have to know
need to be listed at the top what value will be stored in
so you know what to buy. myInt right away.
In code, it’s so the compiler We can choose a value
knows how much memory
to reserve. This is called later. This is called initialising.
declaring.
int myInt;
Reserve space for
an int

50. DECLARATION VS INITIALISATION
As in a recipe, ingredients We don’t have to know
need to be listed at the top what value will be stored in
so you know what to buy. myInt right away.
In code, it’s so the compiler We can choose a value
knows how much memory
to reserve. This is called later. This is called initialising.
declaring.
int myInt; myInt = 15;
Reserve space for Store the value 15 in the
an int space reserved for myInt
15

51. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.

52. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.
myInt = 3;
int myInt;

53. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.
myInt = 3; int myInt;
int myInt; myInt = 3;

54. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.
myInt = 3; int myInt;
int myInt; myInt = 3;
Can’t use a variable before it is initialised.

55. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.
myInt = 3; int myInt;
int myInt; myInt = 3;
Can’t use a variable before it is initialised.
int myInt;
myInt = myInt + 7;

56. Need to declare before or at the same
time as initialisation.
myInt = 3; int myInt;
int myInt; myInt = 3;
Can’t use a variable before it is initialised.
int myInt; int myInt = 3;
myInt = myInt + 7; myInt = myInt + 7;

57. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
float
int
char

58. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
int
char

59. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
char

60. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char

61. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.

62. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.
float scale;
int redValue;
char finalMark;

63. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.
float scale; you get to choose
int redValue; the name
char finalMark;

64. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.
float scale; you get to choose
int redValue; the name
char finalMark;
3. If you already know what the value of that variable is, then go
ahead and set the value.

65. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.
float scale; you get to choose
int redValue; the name
char finalMark;
3. If you already know what the value of that variable is, then go
ahead and set the value.
float scale = 0.5;
int redValue = 199;
char finalMark = ‘B’;

66. TO CREATE A VARIABLE
1. Decide what the data type should be. Usually the main
decisions are between int, float and char.
to create a float type
float
to create an int type int
to create a char type char
2. Decide on a name for your variable. Remember the rules.
float scale; you get to choose
int redValue; the name
char finalMark;
3. If you already know what the value of that variable is, then go
ahead and set the value. if you don’t know the
float scale = 0.5; value yet, stop at step 2.
int redValue = 199; but remember to end
char finalMark = ‘B’; each line with a ;

67. EXERCISE
In Processing, return to your sketch which draws a green
ellipse.
Replace the numbers you’ve used as arguments in the fill( )
and ellipse( ) functions with variables.
What kind of datatypes do you need to use? What are
good descriptive names for those variables?