Chapter 1: Getting Started with ESP32
Espressif ESP32 is a powerful tool in the toolbox of a developer for many types of Internet of Things (IoT) projects. We are all developers, and we all know how important it is to select the right tool for a given problem in a domain. To solve the problem, we need to understand the domain, and we need to know the available tools and their features that are important for that specific problem in order to find the right one (or perhaps several combined). After selecting the tool, we eventually need to figure out how to use it in the most efficient and effective way possible so as to maximize the added value for end users.
In this chapter, I will discuss the technology, IoT, in general, what an IoT solution looks like in terms of basic architecture, and how ESP32 fits into those solutions as a tool. If you are new to IoT technology, or are thinking of using ESP32 in your next project, this chapter helps you to understand the big picture from the technology perspective by describing what ESP32 provides, its capabilities, and its limitations.
The main topics covered in this chapter are as follows:
- IoT as an emerging technology and its application areas with some examples
- The basic structure of IoT solutions, including security considerations
- An introduction to the ESP32 platform and modules
- Available development platforms and frameworks
- Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) options for ESP32
