I wanted to share this question I got from a reader…
QUESTION: Dear Oyvind,
Hope you are doing great! You probably won’t reply due to the voluminous emails you get I suppose. Nonetheless, I’m writing to you to ask you whether it’s possible to learn electronics and how to program microcontrollers in C on my own (without going to college) as I am unfortunately on the wrong track. I am already 23 years old working as a financial auditor. But I believe I will be a happier person if I pursue my dream and work on a project I’ve had in mind for the past year (can’t get it off my mind) and if I actually learn electronics and programming, I will have more ideas and would be able to work on them since I’ll have the skills……
Have a nice day…
Lama
OYVIND: Hi Lama,
Yes, it is absolutely possible to learn how to program microcontrollers in C without going to college. And if this is your dream, then you have to go for it. I’m going to suggest 3 alternative routes for you:
1. Start with Arduino. It uses a simplified version of C, and it is extremely easy to get started. You won’t learn all the ins and outs of a microcontroller, but you’ll get up and running really fast. More info here:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/what-is-arduino/
2. Use a microcontroller breakout board, such as for the ATmega32u4. This way you don’t have to solder anything, but you get to try out how it is to program a microcontroller without all the help that Arduino gives you. Here’s some more info:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/microcontroller-board/
3. Build the electronics yourself, and program it yourself from scratch. This is the hardest, but it’s doable. I’ve written a 5-part tutorial on it here:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/microcontroller-tutorial-part1/
If you have never built any circuits before, building the circuit in the last option might be a bit difficult. But all it takes is some practice. I wrote my e-book as a way to give beginners practice in building circuits, so that they can eventually build the more difficult circuits too. More info here:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/products/getting-started-with-electronics-ebook/
Keep on Soldering!
Oyvind
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