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Digital Literacy Computer Basics Computer Basics Data

Why the hell does she use the program Energia for an example?

Her example of the language Energia makes zero sense at a programming boot camp where we are trying to decide and learn what the BEST or most appropriate language to learn is. Context is everything. Because she used Energia as an example, I assumed it had some sort of relevance in choosing a language or something, but after watching the video several times, I realized it has zero relevance to anything. It is just a confusing example.

Rick Gleitz
Rick Gleitz
47,876 Points

She was, I believe, trying to give a visual representation of the concept of bits using something fairly simple and easily understandable code-wise. There may be a number of students who see the TI Launch Pad and become curious about micro-controllers. Providing some further information about it and Energia might lead them to Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards (which use languages such as Python) and end up pursuing programming for Internet of Things (IoT) devices as a career. By the way, the best programming language you can take is the one that works for the kinds of problems you are needing to solve. I don't believe you should discount anything during the early stages of your learning. Any given thing may have relevance to someone. Take in as much as you are able and then narrow your focus to the language you eventually choose to learn. If you're viewing this course as a part of a boot camp, be aware that these courses are viewed not just for boot camps but for more casual learners as well.

1 Answer

pictic
pictic
3,795 Points

I think she just wanted to give us a visual representation of how zeros and ones work (on and off) and she found the simplest way to do this by using a Launchpad, which most of us have access to. She used Energia because it's a simple language which can be used on a Launchpad. :)

What's a launch pad? I'm sure there must be much simpler ways of explaining zeros and ones in this context. I find this first video so off putting for a beginner.