Functions
So far, we have been using functions like setup(), loop(), anddigitalWrite(). Now we will learn how to create our own functions.
Open and upload the rgb-switches program:
Now, all three buttons (Red, Green, and Blue) behave like switches.
In the program, before setup(), you will see three switches being created:
Pb_switch sw1(200);
Pb_switch sw2(200);
Pb_switch sw3(200);
These are used later inside the loop() to control the toggling.
The setup() function should be identical to the rgb-led program, except for the line:
makedark();
This is a function that is not part of the Arduino bundle. We defined
it ourselves. It is defined below the loop() function, along with other functions. You can change its name to anything you want.
When ever makedark() is called, the program basically runs through all the commands inside the makedark() function.
Inside loop(), you will see that three other functions are being used (makered(), makepurple(), and makegreen()). These functions are also defined further down the program. Note that the functions make the loop() function a lot more readable. This will help you when writing particularly big programs.
Try this modification (make sure to save rgb-switches as rgb-switches-mod in the Mod folder first!):
- You have listed all the seven color combinations as an exercise with the previous program. We wrote the functions for red, green, blue, and purple. You should make functions to produce the other three colors. Test them out on switches 1, 2, and 3.
CHECKPOINT!