Coding for the real world: An intro to microcontroller development

In this session we will examine what it takes to get started with microcontroller development, that is writing code for a tiny embedded computer, generally to interact with the real world via buttons, LEDs, etc. We will focus on the inexpensive TI MSP430 Launchpad development board and take a look at the included development tools. We will go through a complete prototyping process from idea to implementation, live, writing our code in C. This will include a quick primer on important embedded development concepts like button debouncing, clock crystals and interrupts. We will then take a look at some interesting applications of the launchpad, such as a tilt snake video game and an autonomous controller for a toy car. Finally, we'll send one lucky audience member home with their very own brand new launchpad development kit!