Creative computing Summer 2017

Hi! this is an experiment in how I'll be running the class this summer. The general class is the same, but this platform for readings and class notes is new to me. Here's hoping it doesn't bite us all in the ass!

While the syllabus has all the details of the course laid out in the finest of detail, some things you should know beforehand :

• You'll be making things this summer with your hands and your head. It's fun and you shouldn't be afraid to try things out that are outside your comfort zone.
• You'll need to buy (some) things to get up and running with the physical aspects of the course. You can get away with spending a little (around $50) or you could blow several hundred dollars on expensive stuff. I reccomend spending less money and working around any constraints. Also, as this is an introductory course, best to wait and see if you actually want to spend all that money.
• I know its the summer and you probably have a job, a long commute, or a summer vacation you want to spend some time with, but it's best to take some time every day and write a little code, or build a little circuit. 30 minutes is sufficient. Getting into this habit will make you immensely more confident in what you're doing, and you may find yourself liking it even more.
• This course should be fun for you! if there's something you want to change, or are curious about, let me know, we can take some time to discuss.

Things you should have

• a computer. linux, osx, windows, it doesn't matter
• a text editor. I like Brackets, but Sublime Text is also popular. BBEdit (OSX only) and textpad (Windows only) are solid choices a well.
• The Arduino IDE. NB : please download the version that is appropriate for your system (as of today it's v1.8.3), we won't be covering the web editor, though you're welcome to try it.
• Some basic electronics. A barebones set of tools would include a breadboard, USB cable, and Arduino Uno or similar microcontroller.