Vocabulary
Week01
Definitions below were generated using AI (ChatGPT and Claude AI) to provide clear and concise explanations.
Definitions
Local repository – A Git project that exists on your local computer.
Remote repository – The same Git project hosted online for collaboration and backup.
Version control – A system used to track and manage changes made to files over time.
Branch – An independent version of the code where new features or changes can be developed without affecting the main codebase.
Commit – A recorded snapshot of changes made to the code at a specific point in time.
Pipeline – A series of automated processes that build, test, and deploy code.
CI/CD – Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment is a workflow that automates building, testing, and deploying software to improve speed and reliability.
.gitlab-ci.yml – A configuration file used to define and control the CI/CD pipeline.
Basic Git Commands Learned This Week
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git --version
Displays the installed Git version. -
git init
Creates a new Git repository. -
git clone <repo-url>
Copies an existing repository to your local machine. -
git status
Shows the current state of files and changes. -
git add .
Stages all modified files for commit. -
git commit -m "message"
Records staged changes with a message. -
git push
Uploads local commits to the remote repository. -
git pull
Fetches and merges updates from the remote repository. -
git log
Displays the commit history. -
git branch
Lists all branches in the repository. -
git checkout <branch-name>
Switches to a different branch. -
git merge <branch-name>
Merges changes from one branch into another. -
git remote -v
Shows the configured remote repositories.
## Week02
Definitions below were generated using AI (ChatGPT) to provide clear and concise explanations.
Definitions
Raster image – An image made up of pixels. When enlarged, the pixels stretch and the image becomes blurry or pixelated.
Vector image – An image defined by mathematical equations. It can be resized to any scale without losing quality.
Pixel – The smallest unit of a digital image. Raster images are made up of thousands of these tiny colored squares.
DPI (Dots Per Inch) – A measurement of image resolution. Higher DPI means more detail and better quality.
Extrude – A 3D modeling operation that pulls a 2D sketch into a third dimension to create a solid shape.
Parametric design – A design method where dimensions are controlled by parameters, so changing one value automatically updates the whole model.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) – The use of software to create precise 2D or 3D models of objects.
Render – The process of generating a final image or animation from a 3D model using lighting and materials.
Boolean operation – A method of combining or subtracting 3D shapes from each other, such as using one shape to cut a hole in another.
Fillet – A rounded edge or corner applied to a 3D model to smooth out sharp angles.
Revolve – A 3D modeling operation that rotates a 2D sketch around an axis to create a symmetrical 3D shape.
GLB – A binary file format used to store 3D models, including geometry, textures, and animations.
Kerf – The width of material removed by a cutting tool such as a laser.
I2C – A communication protocol that allows multiple devices to communicate with a microcontroller using just two wires.
Week03
Definitions below were generated using AI (ChatGPT) to provide clear and concise explanations.
Definitions
Kerf – The amount of material removed by the laser beam when it cuts. It must be accounted for in press-fit designs so pieces fit together correctly.
Press-fit – A joining method where two pieces are designed to snap together tightly without glue or screws.
Parametric construction kit – A set of interlocking pieces designed using parameters, so dimensions can be adjusted easily and everything updates automatically.
Power (laser) – Controls how strong the laser beam is. Higher power cuts deeper into the material.
Speed (laser) – Controls how fast the laser moves across the material. Slower speed means more time on one spot, resulting in a deeper cut.
DXF – A file format used to share vector drawings between different design software, commonly used to send designs to laser cutters.
Vinyl cutter – A computer-controlled machine that uses a small blade to cut shapes and letters from thin sheets of vinyl material.
Weeding – The process of removing the excess vinyl from around a cut design, leaving only the desired sticker shape.
Transfer tape – A sticky tape used to pick up a cut vinyl design and transfer it onto a surface.
Hairline stroke – A stroke width setting in vector software that tells the laser cutter to cut along the line rather than engrave it.
Caliper – A precision measuring tool used to measure the exact dimensions of a physical object.
Circular pattern – A feature in CAD software that copies a shape and repeats it evenly around a central point.
Engrave – A laser cutting mode where the laser burns the surface of the material to create a design or text without cutting all the way through.
Week04
Definitions below were generated using AI (ChatGPT) to provide clear and concise explanations.
Definitions
Microcontroller – A small computer on a single chip that can read inputs and control outputs. It is used to run embedded programs.
ESP32-C3 – A low-cost RISC-V based microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, made by Espressif.
RISC-V – An open-source instruction set architecture used in some microcontrollers like the ESP32-C3.
Embedded programming – Writing code that runs directly on a microcontroller or hardware device rather than on a general-purpose computer.
Arduino IDE – A free software used to write, compile, and upload code to microcontrollers.
Analog input – A type of input that reads a range of values (like 0–1023) rather than just on or off.
Flex sensor – A sensor that changes its resistance depending on how much it is bent. It is used to detect movement or angle.
OLED display – A small screen that uses organic LEDs to display text and graphics. It is commonly used with microcontrollers.
I2C – A communication protocol that allows a microcontroller to talk to multiple devices using just two wires (SDA and SCL).
Library – A collection of pre-written code that adds extra functionality to a program, such as controlling an OLED screen.
Serial Monitor – A tool in the Arduino IDE used to read and display data sent from the microcontroller in real time.
map() – An Arduino function that converts a value from one range to another, for example converting a raw sensor value to degrees.
constrain() – An Arduino function that limits a value to stay within a defined minimum and maximum range.
Operating voltage – The amount of electrical power in volts that a component needs to function correctly.
Simulation – A virtual version of a circuit that lets you test your code and connections before building the real thing.