In short, no, an Arduino cannot directly run or interpret Python code. Arduino boards typically run programs written in C or C++ using the Arduino IDE.
However, Python can communicate with and read data from an Arduino board.
Understanding Arduino and Python Interaction
Arduino boards use a microcontroller that executes compiled code (usually C/C++). Python is a high-level scripting language that runs on computers. They operate very differently and cannot execute each other's code directly.
The interaction described in the provided reference is about a computer running a Python script communicating with an Arduino board, not the Arduino running the script itself.
How Python and Arduino Communicate
Communication between a computer running Python and an Arduino is typically done over a serial connection (like USB).
- Arduino's Role: The Arduino runs a sketch (program) that sends data (like sensor readings) over the serial port or receives simple commands from the computer.
- Python's Role: The Python script runs on a computer and opens the serial port connected to the Arduino. It can then send commands to the Arduino or, as highlighted in the reference, read data that the Arduino sends.
The reference states: "After the hardware is connected and the Arduino sketch is working correctly, you can construct a Python script to read the sensor value. Communication between the Python script and the Arduino is accomplished using the PySerial package."
This clearly indicates the direction: Python reading data from the Arduino, facilitated by a library like PySerial.
Key Differences
Let's look at the fundamental differences:
| Feature | Arduino | Python |
|---|---|---|
| Code Type | C/C++ (compiled) | Python (interpreted/scripted) |
| Execution | Runs directly on hardware | Runs on a computer via an interpreter |
| Primary Use | Embedded systems, hardware control | Software development, data analysis, automation |
| Memory | Limited RAM and flash | Typically uses computer's resources |
Practical Interaction Scenario
Consider a temperature sensor connected to an Arduino:
- An Arduino sketch is written in C++ to read the temperature sensor value.
- The sketch sends this temperature value over the serial port.
- A Python script is written on a computer.
- The Python script uses a library like PySerial to connect to the Arduino's serial port.
- The Python script then continuously reads the temperature values being sent by the Arduino.
- The Python script can then display the data, log it to a file, or send commands back to the Arduino based on the readings.
As the reference explains, using PySerial allows the Python script to read the sensor value that the Arduino provides over the serial connection.
Conclusion
While an Arduino board cannot execute Python code, a Python script running on a computer can effectively "read" data sent from an Arduino board over a serial connection using libraries like PySerial. The reference supports this interaction model, where Python is the reader of data originating from the Arduino.
