Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

What is an open source physical computing platform that can take input from a variety of switches or sensors to control physical objects?

1. Raspberry Pi

2. Arduino

3. ESP8266

4. BeagleBone

The correct answer is: Arduino

The Arduino is recognized as an open-source physical computing platform primarily designed for creating interactive projects. It is characterized by its ability to process inputs from various sensors, switches, and other integral components. The ease of programming an Arduino, combined with its compatibility with numerous input devices, allows users to control physical objects effectively—ranging from simple LED operations to complex robotic systems. Another significant feature of Arduino is its extensive community and library support, which broadens the range of applications and reduces the learning curve for new users. The platform's libraries help in simplifying the coding necessary to interact with different sensors or outputs, enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation. While Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, and BeagleBone are also used in physical computing, they serve slightly different purposes or operate on different principles. Raspberry Pi offers a more powerful computing environment for running full operating systems and is generally used for more complex applications, rather than direct control of physical objects via simple inputs. The ESP8266 is primarily known for its Wi-Fi capabilities, making it excellent for IoT projects but not as focused on a broad range of input/output options as Arduino. BeagleBone, although powerful and equipped to handle various sensors and devices, is often considered more complex and geared toward users looking