Why to use Xcode

Don't get me wrong I love Xcode is is the best environment for developing desktop applications I have come across. But I don't think it is suited to an embedded situation. Take the instructions for opening up the serial monitor window:-

  • Open /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app
  • The the command prompt in the new terminal window type (without the quote marks),
    o "screen /dev/tty.usbserial"
    o Hit the Tab key. The rest of the serial port's name should appear. If it doesn't, verify that the Arduino is plugged in via serial and is powered on.
    o For example, the command for my Arduino looks like: "screen /dev/tty.usbserial-A4001Jdl"
  • Press return to execute the screen command. The Arduino will reset and should open the serial port.
  • You can type to send characters, but there is no local echo (ie. you won't see the typed characters)
  • To exit and close the serial port
    o Press Control-A then 'k' to "kill" the window. This just stops the screen program and returns to the command prompt.

Well I think just hitting the monitor button is a lot easer and more convenient.