04·Planning the final project: idea, parts list, schematic

Introduction

Before you touch the breadboard and write the first line of code, a good project starts with planning: a clear goal, a realistic scope for a beginner, a list of inputs and outputs, a parts list (BOM), a GPIO pin budget, a power budget, and a schematic. This lesson teaches the method — how to think through a final project (e.g. a weather station, distance alarm, PIR lamp, counter) to avoid common planning pitfalls before you start building.