xod/docs/tutorial/03-inspector/README.md

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Pins, data, and the Inspector

#03. Pins, data, and the Inspector

Note This is a web-version of a tutorial chapter embedded right into the XOD IDE. To get a better learning experience we recommend to install the desktop IDE or start the browser-based IDE, and you’ll see the same tutorial there.

A node is a visual representation of some physical device (such as the ports on an Arduino) or some function (adding, subtracting and more complicated stuff).

The led is a simple LED controlling node. It can control only a one-colored LED. The node has only input pins — PORT and LUM.

Pins

The small colored circles on nodes are called pins. Pins are divided into inputs and outputs. Inputs are always on the top side of nodes, outputs — on the bottom.

Pins are used to transfer data between nodes. Nodes process these values and take some action or give a result. In this example, the led node transfers the led brightnes value (set in LUM) to the Arduino port (set in PORT).

You can change values of pins with a sidebar called Inspector. You will see the Inspector on the left under the list of projects.

Test circuit

Note The circuit is the same as for the previous lesson.

↓ Download as a Fritzing project

How-to

1. Click on a node for which you want to change pin values. In our example, the led node. It will make the node selected.
2. In the Inspector, change the values you desire.
3. Upload the patch again to apply the changes.

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