What are some common microcontroller programming algorithms and their applications?

1 Algorithm basics

An algorithm is a set of steps or rules that define how to solve a problem or perform a task. In microcontroller programming, algorithms are often expressed in a high-level programming language, such as C, Python or Arduino, that can be compiled or interpreted into machine code that the microcontroller can understand and execute. Algorithms can vary in complexity, efficiency and suitability for different purposes and scenarios.

2 Sorting algorithms

Sorting algorithms are algorithms that arrange a collection of data, such as numbers, words or records, in a specific order, such as ascending, descending or alphabetical. Sorting algorithms are useful for organizing and accessing data, as well as for performing other operations, such as searching, filtering or merging. Some common sorting algorithms are bubble sort, insertion sort, selection sort, quicksort and mergesort. Each algorithm has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, memory usage and stability.

3 Searching algorithms

Searching algorithms are algorithms that find a specific element or a subset of elements in a collection of data, such as an array, a list or a tree. Searching algorithms are useful for retrieving and processing data, as well as for checking the existence or occurrence of a value or a pattern. Some common searching algorithms are linear search, binary search, interpolation search, depth-first search and breadth-first search. Each algorithm has its own performance and applicability depending on the size, structure and distribution of the data.

4 Encryption algorithms

Encryption algorithms are algorithms that transform data into a different form that is unreadable or incomprehensible without a key or a password. Encryption algorithms are useful for protecting data from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure, as well as for ensuring data integrity and authenticity. Some common encryption algorithms are symmetric encryption, such as AES, DES and RC4, and asymmetric encryption, such as RSA, ECC and Diffie-Hellman. Each algorithm has its own security level, speed and compatibility with different protocols and platforms.

5 Control algorithms

Control algorithms are algorithms that regulate the behavior or output of a system or a device based on feedback or input from sensors or other sources. Control algorithms are useful for achieving desired goals, such as maintaining a temperature, a speed or a position, or avoiding errors, disturbances or hazards. Some common control algorithms are proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, fuzzy logic control, adaptive control and neural network control. Each algorithm has its own complexity, accuracy and robustness in dealing with different types of systems and environments.

6 Optimization algorithms

Optimization algorithms are algorithms that find the best or optimal solution to a problem or a task that involves multiple criteria, constraints or variables. Optimization algorithms are useful for improving the performance, efficiency or quality of a system or a device, as well as for solving complex or nonlinear problems. Some common optimization algorithms are gradient descent, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing and particle swarm optimization. Each algorithm has its own methods, parameters and trade-offs in finding the optimal solution.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?