Arduino Key Terms
Analog
Something that can continuously vary over time.
Baud
Shorthand for “bits per second”, signifying the speed at which two devices are communicating.
Boolean
A datatype that indicates something binary.
Circuit
A circular path from a power supply, through a load, and then back again to the other end of
the power supply. Current flows in a circuit only if it is closed, that is, if the outgoing and return
path are both uninterrupted (or closed). If either path is interrupted (or open) then current will
not flow through the circuit.
Datatype
A classification system that determines what values a particular constant, variable, or array will
hold. Int, float, long and boolean are all types that can be used in the Arduino Software (IDE).
Digital
A system that deals with discrete values.
Float
A datatype used to represent a fraction. This entails the use of decimal points for floating point
numbers.
for loop
Statement is used to repeat a block of statements enclosed in curly braces. An increment
counter is usually used to increment and terminate the loop. The for statement is useful for any
repetitive operation and is often used in combination with arrays to operate on collections of
data/pins.
Ground
The point of a circuit where there is 0 potential electrical energy. Without a ground, electricity
will not have a place to flow in a circuit.
if statement
Checks for a condition and executes the proceeding statement or set of statements if the
condition is 'true'.
Int
A datatype that holds a whole number between -32,768 and 32,767.
Library
A software extension of the Arduino API that expands the functionality of a program.
Local variable
A type of variable that lives only in the scope in which it is declared and then forgotten. A
variable declared inside the setup() of a program would be local: after the setup() finished
running, the Galileo would forget that the variable ever existed.
Millisecond
1/1,000th of a second.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
A way to simulate a varying static voltage.
Resistance
A measure of how efficiently a material will conduct electricity. Resistance can be calculated by
Ohm’s Law as: R = V/I.
Sensor
A component that measures one form of energy (like light or heat or mechanical energy) and
converts it to voltage or current.
Serial monitor
A tool built into the Arduino IDE allowing sending and receiving serial data to and from a
connected board.
USB
Stands for Universal Serial Bus. A generic port that is standard on most computers today. With
a USB cable, it is possible to program and power an Arduino over a USB connection.
Variable
A datatype that stores values which are likely to change as your program runs. A variable’s
type depends on the type of information you want to store, and the maximum size of the
information; for example, a byte can store up to 256 different values, but an int can store up t
65,536 different values. Variables can be local to a particular block of code, or global to an
entire program. (see Global variable, Local variable).
