The easiest way to learn how to program the AVR series microcontrollers is to use the Arduino hardware platform. The software shell of this platform supports Linux, Android and Windows operating systems.
Instructions
Step 1
Get an off-the-shelf Arduino board or any of its many clones. The clone will have any other name. If desired, build any of these clones yourself using any of the following AVR microcontrollers: ATmega8, ATmega168, ATmega328. If the computer does not have a COM port, be sure to provide a USB-COM converter on the board, or use a ready-made external converter. In all cases, do not forget about the level converter as well, since the COM ports of computers usually operate at 12V, and the microcontroller needs 5 or 3, 3.
Step 2
Program the microcontroller with special Arduino firmware, if it was not done initially (for example, in a finished board). You will need to write the firmware to the microcontroller only once, in the future you will write the programs you develop to it via USB or COM-port without using a programmer. They will run on top of it in the same way as programs on a computer run on top of an operating system.
Step 3
If your computer does not have a Java Virtual Machine, download and install it.
Step 4
Download and install the official Arduino IDE. This program, located on the official website of the project, is compatible with both original Arduino boards and their unofficial clones.
Step 5
Connect the board to the computer and only then apply power to it.
Step 6
Start a shell. Select the board type in it. If it is not original, please select the board with which it is compatible. Also select the port to which it is connected.
Step 7
Check out the examples that came with the shell. They are written in a special programming language called Wiring. Try to write them one by one to the microcontroller located on the board and run them.
Step 8
After reviewing the examples, try to start writing your own programs. Equip the board with additional peripherals as needed. Once programmed, in the future it will be able to work autonomously without a computer.
