Getting started with electronics and hardware prototyping for JavaScript web developers has never been easier with Node.js.
In the browser hardware resources and access to the USB port is restricted as the code running on any random website could not be trusted.
The situation is different when you run your JavaScript code on your computer. Since now you are outside the limitations of the browser, you have a lot more tools to work with!
Node.js is a JavaScript engine running outside the browser that enables us to write applications interacting with custom electronics you built or hardware resources of your computer.
With this knowledge it's possible to build simple robots or home automation system with JavaScript only, a language that web developers are already familiar with.
There is a free PDF ebook to download to help you get started. In less than a couple of hours you will be able to build simple circuits with LED lights, temperature and light sensors.
Once you are familiar with the basics you can dive into the JavaScript Electronics book that covers everything in a lot more detail (but still from the very basics and not assuming any prior knowledge in electronics).
Projects in the book include a Motion Sensing Alarm System and a Smart Talking Plant.
If you need any help getting started, I'm always happy to help so feel free to write me an email!
