Spin Programming with the Multicore Propeller

The multicore Propeller microcontroller opens up a new level of invention possibilities for students. Programming it in its native high-level language, Spin, makes optimal use of this unique and powerful multicore microcontroller.

Why choose Spin?

  • Spin's design was inspired by great attributes of three other languages, Delphi, C, and Python, and by envisioning new solutions to common programming problems
  • The syntax is very clean, structured, and simple, maximizing use of vertical and horizontal space — no curly braces or semicolons required
  • The language is not case-sensitive, a great advantage for new programmers
  • Spin is an object based, interpreted language — allowing for sophisticated reusable code that requires less memory space than many compiled languages
  • Use convenient pre-written code objects straight from the public Propeller Object Exchange repository, combined with your own custom code
  • Command set gives easy deterministic control over system resources
  • Natively supports Propeller Assembly (PASM) for high-speed processes
  • The Propeller Tool programming software applies syntax highlighting and block group indicators to make code easier to read and understand

 

What programming concepts are covered?

  • 42 mathematical operators
  • Handling values in decimal, hexadecimal, quaternary, and binary formats
  • Constants and bit, byte, 16-bit word, and 32-bit long variables
  • Branching with IF/IFNOT...ELSEIF/ELSEIFNOT...ELSE, and CASE...OTHER
  • Infinite, counted, and conditional looping with REPEAT...FROM...TO...STEP...UNTIL...WHILE, NEXT, and QUIT
  • Data display and data input with an included serial terminal
  • Memory access via symbol, symbol[index], BYTE, WORD, LONG, BYTEMOVE, WORDMOVE, LONGMOVE, and more 
  • Features for monitoring and generating voltage signals on I/O pins, such as IN/OUT registers and Counter Modules
  • Multicore control with COGNEW, COGINIT, and COGSTOP to execute Spin or PASM code in cogs (processors)
  • Process and power control with LOCK and WAIT instructions

 

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