Discover a modern and accessible approach to embedded systems development using Elixir and Nerves. This book demonstrates how to transition from simple experiments like blinking LEDs to industrial solutions—such as LiveView-based kiosks—without the complexity and pain traditionally associated with embedded development.
Why Choose Elixir and Nerves for Embedded Development?
Hardware development has long been considered a closed and challenging field: long development cycles, incomprehensible C code, and the risk of "bricking" an expensive device. However, with Elixir and Nerves, everything changes. You already know how to create web applications in Elixir—now you will learn to apply the same skills to work with physical devices. You will write code on your computer, deploy it on a Raspberry Pi, and watch as your device literally comes to life.
Book's Objective and Learning Outcomes
The goal of the book is to guide you from the basic principles of working with hardware to production-ready embedded systems. You will start with rapid prototyping of Nerves applications in Livebook, then create and deploy your own firmware capable of reading sensor data, controlling displays, and interacting with the world around you.
What You Will Learn
- Control hardware through GPIO using Nerves and related libraries.
- Rapidly prototype hardware projects in Livebook.
- Work with electronic components: LEDs, resistors, piezo buzzers, potentiometers, and ADCs.
- Build practical projects such as a Morse code translator, a reaction game, and even an Etch A Sketch.
- Read datasheets and manage non-standard components.
- Interact with external devices using SPI and I2C protocols.
- Deploy production-ready firmware using OTP, supervision, and fault tolerance.
A New Domain of Opportunities
By the end of the book, you will be ready to create your own IoT devices, smart home controllers, and fully-fledged embedded systems. You will gain a deep understanding of how digital devices actually work and expand your skills into an entirely new domain—without leaving the Elixir ecosystem.
