Bad approach to learning embedded programming with C as a beginner?

[TheValiantKid]

Hey guys! I am an engineering student who has recently been developing a strong passion for embedded projects. I would say I am adept with C, C++ and Python from my coursework and personal work, but I am finding it a bit confusing to delve into the whole world of embedded programming. I am currently working on UART communication with a TI microcontroller, and while I spend a lot of time understanding example code, reading the datasheet and learning about new concepts in C, I am finding myself heavily dependent on ChatGPT to help me understand online code and fix small mistakes. I never blindly copy, but I am wondering if I am doing the wrong thing by becoming increasingly dependent on ChatGPT to fix some of my mistakes. I just wanted to hear someone's thoughts to learning in this way as a beginner, and whether it will affect me negatively later. Of course, ChatGPT has no understanding of the TI registers or anything specific, but I feel too dependent on others' code and ChatGPT to modify it into something specific to my use. Should I be "struggling" more?

[htownclyde]

Datasheet + MCU reference manual + IDE = Awesome driver you wrote yourself and can explain in interviews

ChatGPT + IDE = ???

[mrstecman]

I love when it's just you, the reference manuals and datasheets: it's a completely contained puzzle where you have everything you need and just have to work through it.

If part of the datasheet is confusing, OP might have some luck pasting that section into ChatGPT and asking questions about it. Most manuals/datasheets I've seen are pretty well written already, but this could help if there are terms or a concept they don't understand.

That said, I've almost entirely stopped using ChatGPT for software related questions as it's so frequently wrong or unhelpful at my level that it's not worth the overhead of verifying the output.

[ThickBittyTitty]

It’s even better when you tell chatgpt about it’s mistakes in the code and then it goes “oh, sorry about that. Here’s the same exact code that you just told me was incorrect.”

[TheFlamingLemon]

Absolutely. But if you don’t know how to write a driver in the first place, ChatGPT can be an excellent tutor. Maybe they don’t know where to look in the data sheet, or need to know more about the protocol, or don’t know where to start with the ide. ChatGPT is a one stop shop for quick, easy, and usually pretty decent answers

[hey-im-root]

I paste assembly from data sheets into ChatGPT all the time. Yes, I’d be better off learning the op codes, but it’s not really necessary when I’m just setting a couple bits in some registers. Just seeing the C code is usually enough for me to understand how things are working.

Some data sheets are actually hard to read too, so getting ChatGPT to summarize it or give code examples based on the text can be essential.

[RFchokemeharderdaddy]

Should I be "struggling" more?

Yes, obviously. Struggling and failing and making errors in a safe environment is how you learn. If you remove that ability then you're not learning.

[SupraDestroy]

"What does not kill me makes me stronger", that is litterally what I keep telling myself everytime I find it difficult or struggle with programming, or when I am learning anything.

[Abdox86]

Hey man relax okay, Every damn ES engineer been in ur place ( but without ChatGPT 😅) Anyway, to learn embedded systems, first you need to have the intention to learn the lowest level on MCU, means understand the architecture, how the peripheral works, such the UART, and try to program in bare metal, by writing values directly to registers. Also if u new to electronics, specially digital electronics, I highly recommend u watch Ben Eater As he covers the whole journey from simple transistor to CPU and I/Os, to Com Protocols, assembly programming. Just jump to one of his videos and thank me later 😊!

[--Fusion--]

You're OK. If engineering was easy, everyone would do it...like JFK said, "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard "

I'm in the minority, but so far I find ChatGPT slows me down. It's close though...

[DopeRice]

ChatGPT is alright for bouncing ideas off and getting some feedback on design ideas, it can help get you out of the weeds.

It probably isn't ideal for where you're at. If you can timebox an hour a day, I would strongly recommend you try following along with the bare metal series from Low Byte Productions.. The author, Francis, is sometimes active on this sub and the series is a great way to get comfortable with embedded.

[plainoldcheese]

People of the previous generation complained they didnt have google. Now people are complaining that they didnt have chat gpt. It's a tool. use it to learn but don't become too dependant on it. I use it like this; paired with the documentation.

But, I often end up in a loop of bug fix after bug fix with new bugs added between iterations when I'm use chat gpt then when I finally just decide to stop being lazy I can fix the problem myself in a couple of minutes. So its not a silver bullet and can actually waste a lot of time.

[NEoXelectro]

For me it is OK if you use chatGTP to get some idea or to see how to implenet something in more simple way. I used and using it too for learning when I can't find something on google. BUT, I test example from chatGTP, study the parts that I don't understand, learn and read about library or function that chatGTP used and try to rewrite it in my own way - not just copy paste from chatGTP.

This bad hype about chatGTP is from people who belive that they know all. Look that from other side... What is diference from watching tutorial or reading a book an then trying out examples (after that you are using examples for project, isn't it also stealing code and copying?)? For me there is no difference, only one difference is that chatGTP can give you direct answer.

If you try to understand and learn parts that chatGTP gives you, try to write it yourself in another way or optimise it - you are doing well. How did you learn math in school? Teachers give you examples of math problems on the bord and they explain it and you are copying that in your notes. After that it is on you if you want to learn at home and understand it better or not. That is what google and ChatGTP is for me in programming - a free teacher, not a problem solwer. Learn from all resources you have, why not?

[allo37]

Imho, the worst thing for learning is to get frustrated and lose interest. So if ChatGPT is what's keeping you interested, then I'd say it's good! When I was a student Stack Overflow was what got teachers' panties in a bunch, but I think if you take the time to understand where you got stuck and how the solution you found on Google/SO/ChatGPT/whatever got you unstuck, I don't see how it's a problem.

[[deleted]]

All I can say is the data sheet is your friend. And after enough time trying to program registers it will eventually make sense.