Setup

An environment for writing the code, a compiler for the corresponding language and software for uploading written programs to the controller are needed in order to program the AVR controller. The most comfortable method would be by using special integrated developing environment (IDE). The AVR microcontroller can be programmed in many different programming languages: assembler, C, C+, Pascal, Basic, etc. This book focuses on using the C-language when programming the microcontroller. There is free software for programming AVR microcontroller for both the Windows OS and the Linux OS. The next chapters introduce the usage of both.

For installation the HomeLab development software must be downloaded for your operating system. The software package contains IDE, AVR compiler, Robotic HomeLab library, programmer driver, programming utilities and examples. Well known Eclipse development environment is preferred as primary IDE Robotic HomeLab kit. special package is bundled for Windows and Linux operating systems containing Eclipse IDE, AVR plugin, programmer drivers, project templates and examples. However alternatively one can use well known AVR Studio for Windows or KontrollerLab for Linux. All software packages can be downloaded from Robotic HomeLab webpage or from original software developer webpage.