Getting Started

Learning the PICAXE BASIC commands and their syntax

Learning Commands

Analogue v digitalIn our opinion there is only one way to learn about the PICAXE programming language – and that is by actually using it! Don’t worry about making mistakes at first – that is all part of the learning process.

Remember that when using the PICAXE Programming Editor software you can step through your code line-by-line in an on-screen simulation, which is an excellent tool to watch and learn how programs operate.

There is never just one way of achieving a programming task, and different people code in different ways.

But the most important thing is just to give it a go – you may well be pleasantly surprised how quickly you progress!

Our tips include:

  • Work through the tutorials in part 1 of the PICAXE manual. These are designed to give you an introduction into the main programming techniques, such as the difference between analogue and digital sensor commands.
  • Build a circuit, perhaps one of our project kits, and work through the datasheet and example programs provided (see the ‘Open Samples…’ menu within the PICAXE software)
  • Use the AXE091U experimention board to try out all the various input/output devices such as infra-red, DS18B20 temperature sensor etc.
  • Study the example programs for each BASIC command
  • Look through the Project Gallery to see what other people have done. Many users kindly post their PICAXE programs as part of their project blogs.
  • Search through the PICAXE forum for code tips and tricks and examples.