Software and Terminology

WEEK 01

Flameshot is what I use to take screenshots. It is super easy to use and makes capturing images quick and convenient.

Link to download flameshot:

Visual Studio Code is the open-source tool that I’ll be using to build my website and keep track of my work.

Link to download Visual Studio Code:

To compress my images, I used a combination of these two software tools. Both are very user-friendly and reduce image sizes by a considerable amount.

Link to use Optimizilla:

Link to download XnConvert:

Here are some new terms that I came across this week:

Definitions of certain words have been AI generated (ChatGPT) for clear and concise definitions. This was the prompt that I used:

Local repository - The git project that is on your computer.

Remote repository - The same git project that is stored online.

Version Control - A system that keeps track of changes to your files.

Branch - A separate version of the code where changes are made.

Commit - A saved snapshot of code changes.

Pipeline - Automated steps that build, test, and deploy code.

CI/CD - Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment is a practice that automates the building, testing, and deployment of software to ensure faster and reliable delivery.

.gitlab-ci.yml - A file that configures the pipeline.

Here are some basic git commands that I learnt this week.

This was the prompt that I gave ChatGPT:

git --version
Shows the version of Git installed.

git init
Starts a new repository.

git clone <repo-url>
Copies a repository.

git status
Shows file changes.

git add .
Stages changes.

git commit -m "message"
Saves changes.

git push
Uploads changes.

git pull
Gets updates.

git log
Shows history.

git branch
Lists branches.

git checkout <branch-name>
Switches branch.

git merge <branch-name>
Combines changes.

git remote -v
Shows remotes.

Week 02

Note: I have used AI (ChatGPT) to generate accurate descriptions of each software tool.

Gimp stands for GNU Image Manupilation Program. GIMP is a free computer program that allows you to edit and change pictures. I personally had a lot of fun exploring Gimp this week.

Link to download Gimp.

Inkscape is a free tool for making and adjusting vector graphics. At first, it was a bit tricky to use, but soon it became quite user-friendly.

To download Inkscape, go to the official website, and then navigate to the downloads section.

This tutorial helped me a lot.

Fusion 360 is a computer program used to design and build 3D models of objects. For me, fusion was a huge challenge in the beginning, but it got easier with practice.

Link to download Fusion.

Blender is a free software that lets you create 3D models, animations, and realistic images on a computer. It’s mostly used for designing objects, games, and visual effects.

Link to download Blender.

Onshape is a web-based design software used to create 2D sketches and 3D models directly in your browser. It’s commonly used for engineering and 3D design projects. Compared to Fusion and Blender, Onshape was relatively easier to use.

Link to use Onshape.

For compressing my videos, I have used FFmpeg. FFmpeg is a free, open-source software that works with video and audio files. It works through the command line.

Link to download FFmpeg.

Week 03

Here are some important terms that I learnt this week:

Kerf - The tiny amount of material that the laser burns away when it cuts.

Raster / Engrave - The laser moves back and forth to etch or shade the surface instead of cutting through.

Vector Cut - The laser follows a line to cut all the way through the material.

Power - How strong the laser is; higher power makes deeper or darker cuts.

Speed – Refers to how fast the laser head (the nozzle that moves and directs the laser beam) travels across the material. The laser itself does not move on its own and is guided by the moving head. When the speed is slow, the laser stays longer on one spot, making the cut deeper or the engraving darker. When the speed is fast, it spends less time on each spot, resulting in lighter or marks.

Resolution - How detailed an engraving is; higher resolution gives sharper details.

Calibrate - Adjusting the laser so it cuts and engraves accurately.

Exhaust - Removes smoke and fumes while cutting.

Compressor - Blows air at the laser tip to keep cuts clean and reduce burning.

Press-fit joint - A joint where parts are pushed together tightly and are held in place by friction, without fasteners or glue.

Week 04

This week, there were a lot of terms that I came across.
Note: I used Chat GPT for certain words to get clear and concise definitions. 😁

Microcontroller Unit (MCU) - A small computer on a chip that runs programs and controls hardware.

Processor (CPU) - The part of the MCU that executes instructions and makes decisions.

Development Board - A circuit board that holds an MCU and extra parts to make programming and testing easier.

Firmware - The program stored inside the MCU that tells it how to work.

Bootloader - A small program already on the development board that helps receive the code.

Peripherals - Built-in or external hardware that adds features like communication, timers, or sensors.

Power Pins - Pins that supply power to the board (such as GND, 3.3V, or 5V).

GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) Pins - Pins that can be used as inputs or outputs.

Digital Pins - Pins that work with two states: HIGH or LOW.

Analog Pins (A0, A1, etc.) - Pins that read varying voltage values from sensors.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) - A way to simulate analog output using digital signals.

I2S Pins - Pins used for sending and receiving digital audio data.

Reset Button - Restarts the MCU and runs the program again from the beginning.

Port Multiplexer - Allows one pin to be used for different functions depending on settings.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment) - Software used to write, compile, and upload code to a board.

Arduino Language - A simplified programming language based on C/C++.

C Programming - A fast and efficient programming language used for low-level control.

Library - Pre-written code that makes it easier to use hardware features.

Function - A block of code that performs a specific task.

Variable - A named place to store data in a program.

Serial Monitor - A tool used to view messages sent from the MCU for debugging.

Write - Sending data to a pin, device, or memory.

Read - Receiving data from a pin, sensor, or memory.

Breadboard - A tool for building circuits without soldering.

Voltage (V) - The electrical force that pushes current through a circuit.

Current (A) - The flow of electricity.

Resistance (Ω) - How much a material resists the flow of current.

Ohm’s Law - Voltage equals current times resistance (V = IR).

Power Regulator - Keeps the voltage at a safe and stable level.

Resistor - Limits the amount of current in a circuit.

Capacitor - Stores and releases electrical energy.

Diode - Allows current to flow in only one direction.

Transistor - Acts as a switch or amplifier.

ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) - Converts analog signals into digital values.

DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) - Converts digital values into analog signals.

AC (Alternating Current) - Electricity that changes direction periodically.

Oscillator - Generates a clock signal that controls the MCU’s speed.

Registers - Very fast, small memory locations inside the processor.

Flip-Flop - A basic memory element that stores one bit (0 or 1).

Interrupt - A signal that pauses the program to handle an important event.

Instruction Execution Timing - How long the MCU takes to run instructions.

Address - A specific location in memory or a device.

Fuses (Configuration) - Special settings that control how the MCU behaves at a hardware level.

Arduino Ide is a tool that lets you write, test, and upload code onto a board so that it can control motors, sensors, LEDs, etc.

Link to download Arduino Ide.

Week 05

Here are some important terms that I learnt this week:

3D Printer - A machine that creates physical objects layer by layer from a digital design.

Filament - The material (usually plastic) used for 3D printing; it’s like the “ink” for your printer.

PLA Filament - A common, easy-to-use 3D printing plastic made from renewable resources like corn starch.

PETG Filament - A strong, flexible plastic that is more heat-resistant than PLA.

Build Plate - The surface where the 3D print is built; it acts as the foundation for your object.

Extruder - The part of the printer that melts filament and deposits it layer by layer.

Layer Height - The thickness of each printed layer; smaller layers give more detail but take longer.

Supports - Temporary structures that help print overhangs or complex shapes.

Infill - How solid or hollow the inside of a 3D print is; higher infill means stronger prints.

3D Scanner - A device that captures the shape and details of real objects to create digital models.

LIDAR - A laser-based technology that measures distances precisely, often used in 3D scanning.

SLA (Stereolithography) - A 3D printing method that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers.

DLP (Digital Light Processing) - Uses a projector to cure each layer of resin in a single shot.

MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) - Uses an LCD screen to selectively cure resin layer by layer.

Stereolithography - The original resin 3D printing technique using light to harden liquid resin.

Photopolymerization - The process of turning liquid resin into solid plastic using light.