Super new to all things computer and need language help

Projects Programming
1

So I am slowly starting to learn all of this hardware, software and programming. Using the language library I am starting to learn what everything does and means but when learning about the water sensor the guy I was watching entered this string of code.

Serial.print("sensor =");

When the ("sensor =") is typed inside the " it turns the text blue. What do quotation marks stand for or mean and what is happening when the text changes colour? I cannot seem to find an answer to this or any mention inside the language library.

2

Double quotes surround a character constant (text string).

The color is something introduced by the editor, to help you keep track of keywords, constants, etc. and is not relevant to the compiler, the Arduino or how the program will eventually run.

Be sure to consult the C/C++ language and Arduino reference guides on line. There are also many great self-help programming tutorials posted on line. And of course, the Arduino IDE comes with lots of short examples (File > Examples > ) that you should be studying.

3

Thank you, it mostly makes sense but I am having to basically demystify what to me is essentially magic. It is extremely difficult to understand though I am starting from the bedrock so it helps.

4

With any highly technical topic, you should be prepared to put a significant amount of time and effort into learning the basics.

It can take years of study and practice to become proficient in the C/C++ programming language, and on top of that with Arduino (or any hands on electronics hobby), you need basic knowledge of electronic circuit theory and how components, including computers, actually work.

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5

Videos are good for getting you through the first week or so of learning. After that, they're just holding you back. Some people just don't get that, years later they are still watching them and don't understand and can't do much independently. Go to authentic documentation and reputable tutorials and guides.

It's tough at first, but as with buildings, good foundation work supports what's on top of it better.

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6

Go thru the examples that come with the IDE.

Try to understand what each example is teaching.

Change things in these sketches and observe what results you get.

When you run into problems, ask on the forums.

7

A tip from practice:
Maybe you can use the Arduino projects in your hobby like model making, model railroad, etc.

8

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