Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Mixly"

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[[File:Microduino-Mixly-rect.jpg|thumb|right|Mixly]]
 
[[File:Microduino-Mixly-rect.jpg|thumb|right|Mixly]]
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This guide provides an introduction to Mixly. A drag and drop programming software (IDE) for Microduino and Arduino boards.
+
This guide provides an introduction to Mixly. A drag and drop programming software (IDE) for Microduino and Arduino boards. Mixly was developed by the Mixly Team @ Bejing Normal University.
 +
 
 +
For official documentation and Github for the Mixly project see the '''[[Introduction_to_Mixly#See_More_&_References|See More & References]]'''.
 +
 
 
=Setup=
 
=Setup=
 
Please follow the setup guide for Mixly before proceeding the rest of this guide.
 
Please follow the setup guide for Mixly before proceeding the rest of this guide.
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[[File:Mixly_Interface.png]]
 
[[File:Mixly_Interface.png]]
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* '''Section A.''' - Blocks. See [[Introduction_to_Mixly#Blocks|Blocks]]
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* '''Section A.''' - Blocks. See '''[[Introduction_to_Mixly#Blocks|Blocks]]'''
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* '''Section B.''' - Workspace.  
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* '''Section B.''' - Workspace. Workspace is the area where Blocks are dragged to to create the behavior and functionality of your program.
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* '''Section C.''' - Console.
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* '''Section C.''' - Console. Console is the area in which output from Mixly is displayed. This area will show compiling messages, error, and uploading messages that Mixly will output when attempting to compile and upload programs on your boards.
 
* '''Section D.''' - File Options.
 
* '''Section D.''' - File Options.
 
** '''New''' - Creates a new Workspace. Will replace the current one. Save before hand or data will be lost!
 
** '''New''' - Creates a new Workspace. Will replace the current one. Save before hand or data will be lost!
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** '''Save''' - Save the current Workspace.
 
** '''Save''' - Save the current Workspace.
 
** '''Save as''' - Save the current Workspace as a new file.
 
** '''Save as''' - Save the current Workspace as a new file.
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** '''Export''' -
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** '''Export''' - Export the current Blocks in the Workspace as a Mixly library.
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** '''Import''' -
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** '''Import''' - Import Mixly libraries into Mixly.
 
** '''Manager''' - Manage libraries for Mixly.
 
** '''Manager''' - Manage libraries for Mixly.
 
* '''1. Undo''' - Reverts the last change.
 
* '''1. Undo''' - Reverts the last change.
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! Description
 
! Description
 
|-
 
|-
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| In / Out
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| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_In_/_Out|In / Out]]'''
 
| Blocks that controls the analog / digital pins on the [[Core module]] (or Arduino) boards. Such as digital write / read, analog write / read and interrupts.
 
| Blocks that controls the analog / digital pins on the [[Core module]] (or Arduino) boards. Such as digital write / read, analog write / read and interrupts.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Control
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Control|Control]]'''
 
| Blocks that determine the way the program executes. Such as if / else statements, delays, and loops.
 
| Blocks that determine the way the program executes. Such as if / else statements, delays, and loops.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Math
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Math|Math]]'''
 
| Blocks that provide mathematical functions such as arithmetic, trigonometric functions, etc.
 
| Blocks that provide mathematical functions such as arithmetic, trigonometric functions, etc.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Text
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Text|Text]]'''
 
| Blocks that provides text, text comparison, and text manipulation.
 
| Blocks that provides text, text comparison, and text manipulation.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Lists
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Lists|Lists]]'''
 
| Blocks that creates lists and list accessing.
 
| Blocks that creates lists and list accessing.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Logic
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Logic|Logic]]'''
 
| Blocks that are used for logically comparison. Such as equals, or/and and true/false.
 
| Blocks that are used for logically comparison. Such as equals, or/and and true/false.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| SerialPort
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| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_SerialPort|SerialPort]]'''
−
| Blocks to configure, use, and read / write to the Serial Port.
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| [[Blocks to configure, use, and read / write to the Serial Port.]]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Communicate
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Communicate|Communicate]]'''
 
| Blocks for other forms of communication such as IR, I2C, SPI, etc.
 
| Blocks for other forms of communication such as IR, I2C, SPI, etc.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Storage
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Storage|Storage]]'''
 
| Blocks for storage of data on a SD card (SD module needed) or on board EEPROM.
 
| Blocks for storage of data on a SD card (SD module needed) or on board EEPROM.
 
|-
 
|-
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| Sensor
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Sensor|Sensor]]'''
 
| Blocks for reading from an ultrasonic range finder, DHT11, DS18B20 or GPS. (Respective modules required.)
 
| Blocks for reading from an ultrasonic range finder, DHT11, DS18B20 or GPS. (Respective modules required.)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Actuator
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Actuator|Actuator]]'''
 
| Blocks for servos, buzzers (tone), LCD, and stepper motors. (Respective modules required.)
 
| Blocks for servos, buzzers (tone), LCD, and stepper motors. (Respective modules required.)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Ethernet
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Ethernet|Ethernet]]'''
 
| Blocks for Ethernet (network) communication.
 
| Blocks for Ethernet (network) communication.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Variables
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Variables|Variables]]'''
 
| Blocks for declaring and accessing variables.  
 
| Blocks for declaring and accessing variables.  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Functions
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Functions|Functions]]'''
 
| Blocks for creating functions. Functions or subroutines are a block of code that serves a specific purpose and is seperated from the main code for ease of understanding, re-usability and organization.
 
| Blocks for creating functions. Functions or subroutines are a block of code that serves a specific purpose and is seperated from the main code for ease of understanding, re-usability and organization.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Factory
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Factory|Factory]]'''
 
| Blocks that are closely similar to C/C++ code. These blocks are defined because there is no other way to express them in other categories.  
 
| Blocks that are closely similar to C/C++ code. These blocks are defined because there is no other way to express them in other categories.  
 
|}
 
|}
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! Description
 
! Description
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Core
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Core|Core]]'''
 
| Blocks for [[Core modules]] that provided some misc. functions such as while loops, for loops, analog write / read.
 
| Blocks for [[Core modules]] that provided some misc. functions such as while loops, for loops, analog write / read.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Extended
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Extended|Extended]]'''
−
| Blocks for [[Extension modules]] that provide controls for motors ([[Motor Shield]), stepper motor ([[Stepper Shield]]), dot matrix ([[Dot Matrix]]), and OLED ([[OLED module]]).  
+
| Blocks for [[Extension modules]] that provide controls for motors ([[Motor Shield]]), stepper motor ([[Stepper Shield]]), dot matrix ([[Dot Matrix]]), and OLED ([[OLED module]]).  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Function
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Function|Function]]'''
 
| Blocks for [[Function modules]] that provide control for Audio play back ([[Audio module]]), Real Time Clock ([[RTC module]]), GPS ([[GPS module]]), Motion ([[Motion module]]), and SD storage ([[SD module]]).
 
| Blocks for [[Function modules]] that provide control for Audio play back ([[Audio module]]), Real Time Clock ([[RTC module]]), GPS ([[GPS module]]), Motion ([[Motion module]]), and SD storage ([[SD module]]).
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Communication
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Communication|Communication]]'''
 
| Blocks for [[Communication modules]] that provide control for the [[Bluetooth module]], [[WiFi module]], IR [[transmitter]] & [[receiver]], and I2C bus master.
 
| Blocks for [[Communication modules]] that provide control for the [[Bluetooth module]], [[WiFi module]], IR [[transmitter]] & [[receiver]], and I2C bus master.
 
|-
 
|-
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| Executor
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| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Executor|Executor]]'''
 
| Blocks for control of [[ColorLED]], [[Buzzer]], and [[Servo]].
 
| Blocks for control of [[ColorLED]], [[Buzzer]], and [[Servo]].
 
|-
 
|-
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| Sensor
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Sensor|Sensor]]'''
 
| Blocks for use with [[Button]], [[Joystick]], [[Temperature]], [[Temperature & Humidity]], and [[Potentiometer]].
 
| Blocks for use with [[Button]], [[Joystick]], [[Temperature]], [[Temperature & Humidity]], and [[Potentiometer]].
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VariableExpansion
+
| '''[[Mixly_Block_Category_-_Microduino_-_Variable_Expansion|VariableExpansion]]'''
 
| Blocks for creating special variables for use with the nRF ([[nRF module]]). In additional, blocks for creating Melodies.
 
| Blocks for creating special variables for use with the nRF ([[nRF module]]). In additional, blocks for creating Melodies.
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=Workspace=
 
=Workspace=
−
Workspace is the area where Blocks are dragged to.
+
 
 +
=Console=
 +
 
 +
=See More & References=
 +
Official Mixly Github: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino
 +
 
 +
Official Mixly Quick Start Guide: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino/blob/master/Mixly%20Quick%20Start%20Guide.pdf
 +
 
 +
Official Mixly Wiki Page: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino/wiki/Installation-for-Mixly

Latest revision as of 18:43, 6 February 2017

Mixly

This guide provides an introduction to Mixly. A drag and drop programming software (IDE) for Microduino and Arduino boards. Mixly was developed by the Mixly Team @ Bejing Normal University.

For official documentation and Github for the Mixly project see the See More & References.

Setup

Please follow the setup guide for Mixly before proceeding the rest of this guide.

Mixly: Getting Started
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForWindows.jpg
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForMAC.jpg

Interface Layout

  • Open Mixly by opening the mixly.jar.

Mixly Interface.png

  • Section A. - Blocks. See Blocks
  • Section B. - Workspace. Workspace is the area where Blocks are dragged to to create the behavior and functionality of your program.
  • Section C. - Console. Console is the area in which output from Mixly is displayed. This area will show compiling messages, error, and uploading messages that Mixly will output when attempting to compile and upload programs on your boards.
  • Section D. - File Options.
    • New - Creates a new Workspace. Will replace the current one. Save before hand or data will be lost!
    • Open - Open a saved Workspace.
    • Save - Save the current Workspace.
    • Save as - Save the current Workspace as a new file.
    • Export - Export the current Blocks in the Workspace as a Mixly library.
    • Import - Import Mixly libraries into Mixly.
    • Manager - Manage libraries for Mixly.
  • 1. Undo - Reverts the last change.
  • 2. Redo - Reverts the last undo.
  • 3. Language Selection - Select the language of Mixly. Select-able languages are English, Spanish & Chinese
  • 4. Code Preview - Opens a panel which shows the generated code from the Workspace blocks.
  • 5. Zoom Reset - Resets the zoom to the default level.
  • 6. Zoom In - Zoom in on the Workspace.
  • 7. Zoom Out - Zoom out on the Workspace.
  • 8. Trash Bin - Drag to the trash bin to delete blocks from the Workspace.
  • 9. Upload Code - Compiles and uploads the code generated from the Workspace.
  • 10. Compile Code - Compiles the code generated from the Workspace, but DOESN'T upload the code. Used to test if the code compiles without uploading it to a Core module afterwards.
  • 11. Board Selection - Select the type of Core module/Arduino from this drop down menu that will be programmed.
  • 12. COM Port Selection - Select the COM Port that the Core module/Arduino is connected to.
  • 13. Serial Monitor - Opens the serial monitor that is used to send and receive data from the Core module/Arduino.
  • 14. Test Hardware - Uploads a program to the attached board and tests to see if it is functional.
  • 15. Interface Size - Scales the size of the interface of Mixly.

Blocks

Blocks are the pieces used to create code in Mixly. The blocks connects to each other if compatible. Incompatible blocks will not fit together. A program in Mixly is the collection of several blocks configured to perform a duty.

There are various types of blocks sorted into different categories. These include:

Category Description
In / Out Blocks that controls the analog / digital pins on the Core module (or Arduino) boards. Such as digital write / read, analog write / read and interrupts.
Control Blocks that determine the way the program executes. Such as if / else statements, delays, and loops.
Math Blocks that provide mathematical functions such as arithmetic, trigonometric functions, etc.
Text Blocks that provides text, text comparison, and text manipulation.
Lists Blocks that creates lists and list accessing.
Logic Blocks that are used for logically comparison. Such as equals, or/and and true/false.
SerialPort Blocks to configure, use, and read / write to the Serial Port.
Communicate Blocks for other forms of communication such as IR, I2C, SPI, etc.
Storage Blocks for storage of data on a SD card (SD module needed) or on board EEPROM.
Sensor Blocks for reading from an ultrasonic range finder, DHT11, DS18B20 or GPS. (Respective modules required.)
Actuator Blocks for servos, buzzers (tone), LCD, and stepper motors. (Respective modules required.)
Ethernet Blocks for Ethernet (network) communication.
Variables Blocks for declaring and accessing variables.
Functions Blocks for creating functions. Functions or subroutines are a block of code that serves a specific purpose and is seperated from the main code for ease of understanding, re-usability and organization.
Factory Blocks that are closely similar to C/C++ code. These blocks are defined because there is no other way to express them in other categories.

Microduino Blocks

There are additional block categories related specifically to Microduino. These block categories can be accessed by clicking on the Microduino tab on the side.

There are various types of blocks sorted into different categories. These include:

Category Description
Core Blocks for Core modules that provided some misc. functions such as while loops, for loops, analog write / read.
Extended Blocks for Extension modules that provide controls for motors (Motor Shield), stepper motor (Stepper Shield), dot matrix (Dot Matrix), and OLED (OLED module).
Function Blocks for Function modules that provide control for Audio play back (Audio module), Real Time Clock (RTC module), GPS (GPS module), Motion (Motion module), and SD storage (SD module).
Communication Blocks for Communication modules that provide control for the Bluetooth module, WiFi module, IR transmitter & receiver, and I2C bus master.
Executor Blocks for control of ColorLED, Buzzer, and Servo.
Sensor Blocks for use with Button, Joystick, Temperature, Temperature & Humidity, and Potentiometer.
VariableExpansion Blocks for creating special variables for use with the nRF (nRF module). In additional, blocks for creating Melodies.

Workspace

Console

See More & References

Official Mixly Github: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino

Official Mixly Quick Start Guide: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino/blob/master/Mixly%20Quick%20Start%20Guide.pdf

Official Mixly Wiki Page: https://github.com/xbed/Mixly_Arduino/wiki/Installation-for-Mixly

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