Advices on how to meet my learning objectives
sayed1410
Posts: 3
Hello
I consider myself a beginner to programming and IT in general, and I have learning objectives that I am interested to learn about and need your suggestions about the best way to learn about them, and which kit/program should I follow to meet my objectives. I want to make sure that my efforts are put in the right place.
My learning objective is:
To be able to program the self-service machines and be able to connect their equipment together. Usually, such machines need to connect devices together such as :
- barcode reader
- data entry such as booking numbers
- processing such as adding some items displayed on the screen to the cart
- connection with a payment terminal
- outcomes such as printing of invoices or other outcomes
I need some advice about:
- what is the best way to learn about my objectives?
- Is Parallax the best place to learn about my goals?
- What skills do I need to learn in order to be able to connect devices together (for example payment of the amount shown on the screen through a payment terminal)?
- What is the best programming language should I learn?
I would really appreciate your advice
Abdullah
Comments
Hi !
Have you used any Parallax hardware / code before ?
Wondering if you have any prior experience with microcontrollers from which to build suggestions from, or if you are starting from scratch?
Hi
Thank you for your reply
I am starting from scratch
This is the critical step that dictates everything else. Compliance to trade standards will be order of the day. If the product ain't certified then it won't be allowed to connect. That doesn't make them secure though, it just adds a level of trust by restricting access to a limited set of knowns.
At the server level, Cobol used to be the one and only. Java I presume now. I guess Java could be used at the device level too.
As a great kit to start learning the basics of interfacing and real-world control, I'd suggest you order these, and follow the step-by-step examples and lessons at the learn site:
https://www.parallax.com/product/propeller-flip-try-it-invention-kit/
and
https://www.parallax.com/product/color-oled-display-module-96-x-64/
Optionally also: https://www.parallax.com/product/activitybot-360-robot-kit/
You will find various examples linked at the product pages, under "Downloads and Resources".
For example, this set of tutorials is available in both visual Blockly language (great for a quick start) : https://learn.parallax.com/tutorials/series/flip-try-it-kit-blocklyprop-tutorials
and then C if you decide to progress that way : https://learn.parallax.com/tutorials/series/flip-try-it-kit-c-tutorial-series
Also, your work in Blockly can be downloaded as a C code file for future development, so your initial work is not wasted if you start with Blockly, and it tends to be an easier way to learn the initial concepts and gain confidence.
A good approach is get started with a simple platform and start achieving with basic concepts. Then your mind will naturally connect the dots to allow you to experiment toward the more elaborate systems you mentioned.
Thank you so much for your reply