I really like the Princeton StdLib for Java to make basic graphs with Java. The learning curve isn't steep and installation is easy. To get started either grab the Maven support files or the JAR and install in IntelliJ or your favourite IDE. Here's an example to draw some basic shapes on the screen. Now, […]
While demonstrating the OLED display in class this week, I messed up the lesson -- twice -- because I forgot a really important detail: timing. When putting information on the OLED display it's important to take into consideration timing. But that timing is not always important to consider. Where I messed up was in demonstrating […]
Some students will find that their Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino board will have trouble being recognized by their Windows or macOS machine. It is important that you download the driver from SiLabs if this is the case, as per the instructions found on the Wiki page for the Grove Beginner Kit. That page will […]
We use iVerilog (Icarus Verilog) for a number of courses, including (presently) EECS 2021. There are a few ways to run it Here is a video overview.
Why are so many sidewalks at York University still covered in ice and snow? Because we simply don't have enough employees and equipment to get the job done. What staff we do have has been working really hard to make the walkways and building entrances safe, but there is simply too much ground to cover […]
When using Maven to load the Firmata4j library you'll be required to use version 2.3.8 and you'll need to load dependencies in a particular order, as per my earlier blog page. It's manageable but a little cumbersome. That said, most students can handle it. Instead, you can try to use version 2.3.9. I've loaded the […]
For EECS 2021 students who are looking for additional resources on floating point math, here are some suggestions. Exercises with solutions: While we're at it, here is the Bit Fiddle app, by Tobias Stamm, a handy tool for converting between base 2, base 16 and base 10, as well as a twos-complement conversion page. Finally, […]
Detecting copied source code in student assignments is important. Here, I'll explore a few options that are possible for instructors here at York University, but these options may also work for instructors elsewhere. Look, there are a few notable reasons why copied source code will appear in a student's assignment: Given the convenience of the […]
I like practical programming. That can be tough with assembler. But one of the important things to recognize is that you can limit the amount of support work that you have to do in assembler by embedding your assembler code in a C or C++ project. In this video I show how to And then […]
File the following in the "for a work friend" category of blog posts. The TL;DR of dealing with bed bugs is this: Let's imagine that your friend, who works with you but in a different building, has discovered a bed bug infestation in their work space. And, let's imagine that the employer is reluctant to […]