Microcontroller programming can seem a bit tricky because there are many confusing choices to make. I remember how I felt in the beginning. With all the available compilers, IDE’s, programmers and programming methods – no wonder you get confused!
So, let’s break it down.
I struggled a lot with this when I was learning the microcontroller basics. I followed different tutorials and ended up with lots of different software on my computer. I also had a board for programming the chip. And I had no idea what I actually needed to make it work.
So to make microcontroller programming as simple as possible for you – here is an overview of what you need to do.
The Basics Of Microcontroller Programming
A microcontroller does not know what to do by itself. It’s your job to tell it what you want it to do.
So, you need to write a program code on your computer. You need to compile the code with a compiler for the microcontroller you are using. And you need to upload the compiled version of your program to your microcontroller.
Arduino programming is a bit easier if you want to start really simple.
Write your program code
The first step is to write your program code. This is usually done is C. But some compilers support other languages as well. Find out what other people who are using the same microcontrollers are doing.
It doesn’t matter what software you use to write code. You can even use Notepad for this step. I like to use a really simple editor. But one that supports «syntax highlighting» makes the coding a bit easier. For Windows, I would recommend using Notepad++
Compile your code for your microcontroller
Before you can upload your program to your microcontroller, you need to compile it. This means converting the code from human-readable code to machine-readable code.
Use a compiler that supports your microcontroller and compile your code into machine-code for you chip. A popular compiler is for Atmel AVR chips is avr-gcc.
After compilation you will have one or more files containing machine code. Then you need to upload these files to you microcontroller.
Upload the compiled file(s) to you microcontroller
Usually it’s one program file and a file for EEPROM and/or flash that you need to upload.
You need a physical connection from your computer to your microcontroller. Either you can use a dedicated programmer (such as the AVRISP) or if you have a USB programmable chip, you can program it through USB (which I think is the best alternative).
And you need a program for uploading the file(s). For AVR chips, you can use AVRDUDE.
Programming tutorials
You can find many tutorials on how to program different microcontrollers. You can usually find what you are looking for by googling “programming insert-microcontroller-model-here”
Next Step
With the main steps of microcontroller programming fresh in mind, it’s time to start building. If you are starting out, I would recommend starting with a microcontroller board. Arduino is the simplest, but there are many more available.
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Hi…, am thankgod, thank you for your post, but am having a problem with programming. i don’t know how to write a programme, please can you send me any tutorial maybe with videos, pictures and programming software. Thanks in Anticipation.
Hey Thankgod,
I am doing a microcontroller tutorial right now actually. Check it out here: http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/microcontroller-tutorial-part1/
Cheers!
Oyvind
I bought your ebook Getting started with Electronic and went to my email to click the link that you sent me and appeared a windows with 3 downloads and I click them and only reached to download one of the 3 downloadable ebooks
Hey, I’ve reset your download attempts, so you can try again now.
Oyvind
Pls give coding for boolean algebra calculator
Sorry, I don’t have that.
Oyvind
plz
give me program for
any one of port pins one by one act as output circulatingly
i am doing a microcontroller project to allow me trace the location and speed of my car via gps and gsm, pliz take me through programming,
sir i want to make digital screen for writting in college. So that there is no use of paper . I dont know how can i start and how to write code in c language to make digital board .
Hey,
My microcontroller tutorial might get you on the right track:
http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/microcontroller-tutorial-part1/
Or if you prefer to start with something easier:
http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/electronics-for-beginners/
CAN WE USE C++ TO CODE MICROCONTROLLERS ( EG ATMEGA328 )
Yes, if you have a compiler that supports it.
Oyvind
Hi there. Thanks for sharing this – I’m a complete beginner but found your article interesting and easy to understand. I do have a question – how “testing” work, if I want to use a programmed microcontroller in a simple robot? Would one normally have to compile the code and upload it in order to see if the robot does what the code needs it to do? In equivalent terms, if I were to program a webpage, I can see rather quickly if the code is laying out the page correctly – what’s the best way to “test” when it comes to microcontrollers?
Hey KC,
For testing without actually testing in real life, you can use emulators.
I prefer testing in real life though…
Best,
Oyvind
Thanks sir, pls email me i am very interested in programing. Am a novice for now but with u as a mentor i will go far. Plz email me
i need you also email me
I also need ur website… pls
Thank you sir, is time i start microcontroller programming, i really need to…, help me achieve my dreams am a novice, but i believe i can do it with you as a tutor, thanks again.
Hey is there anyone,,, who will plz send me an example or syntax or a program related to microcontroller proframing,,,, plz reply fast,,,
Hi.
Can you help me to build a microcontroller for ultrasonic cleaners? What are the characteristics of it?
hello sir
we need a code for project ” automatic irrigation system running on solar enegy”
can u please help us with the same.
i want to inforamation about microcontroller in writting the program.
plz i need inforamation about microcontroller in writting the assembly level language program.
Sorry I don’t have any resources on that. But you should find plenty on Google.
Best,
Oyvind
please i want to be good in microcontroller programming,how do i go about getting your tutor pdf or video
[email protected]
I have some courses on getting started with Arduino in my online membership club Ohmify: https://ohmify.com/join
That’s a good way to start.
Best,
Oyvind
i need you also email me
kindly help me with a microcontroller coding to generate pwm
The big problem is (especially for me) is C++ programming. I can draw and make any electronic circuit, analog and digital, but I can not programming. Is there any C++ tutorial programming?
I really want to start to learn how to make a program and how to upload to the Microcontroller.
If we can not make a program even as simples as just to switch on the LED, and do not know how to upload the program then that is dead circuit, the circuit does not work as we want/design.
To understand programming we have to know logical thinking and the meaning of any what we want to write would you mind to copy your answer to my email?
Thanks for the tutorial.