Andrew Warren wrote:
>
> I wrote:
>
> > I've read the first edition of the Gardner book... I thought it
> > sucked.
>
> and Matt Calder <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU> replied:
>
> > These are such strong words, I feeled compelled to say in Mr.
> > Gardener's defense that the book is not that bad. I had a lot of
> > programming experience, modest microprocessor knowledge, and some
> > electronics when I first picked up the Gardener book and I never
> > felt that my intellegence was being insulted.
>
>     The problem, Matt, is not that it's TOO basic, but that it's not
>     basic ENOUGH.  Show it to someone who doesn't have "a lot of
>     programming experience, modest microprocessor knowledge, and
>     some electronics" and see what he or she thinks.
>
>     Afterward, just for laughs, you might want to show Microchip's
>     own databook and Embedded Control Handbook (available for free
>     from your Microchip rep) to your beginner and see if he can find
>     anything in the Gardner book that isn't also in the Microchip
>     books.
>
> > most importantly it is the only PIC book and one of the few
> > 'project' books available at the Tattered Cover bookstore in
> > Denver (one of the largest book stores in the US). My mother always
> > said if I didn't like her cooking I should start cooking and stop
> > making faces.
>
>     Fortunately, Dave Benson didn't just "start cooking"; he wrote an
>     excellent cookbook, instead.  It's called "Easy PIC'n" and is
>     available from a number of sources, including the author.  It's
>     the only book I recommend to beginning PIC programmers.
>
>     The Tattered Cover is, as you say, one of the finest bookstores
>     in the country... I'm sure that if you inform them of the
>     existence of Dave's book, they'll order a batch from him.

When I started out, I had the data book, and the embedded controller
handbook, nothing else (no prior micro experience). I don't even think
you need "PIC for dummies" type books for the PIC - its easy enough.
My first project was a PID motor controller and worked pretty well.

I feel that one should suffer a little bit in the beginning to develop
a way of thinking. Copying other's code teaches nothing. By not using
'standard' ways of debouncing keypads, I worked out a shorter method
that works much better than the 'standard' tecniques in a few days
after setting eyes on the databook for the first time.

Down with RTFM!

--
Friendly Regards

Tjaart van der Walt
mailto:tjaart@wasp.co.za
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