Display a Counter on the Serial Monitor

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! Plug your Code Lab in to your computer's USB port with the cable and hit 'Upload Your Code!' to see what it does. Change something in the code, like a delay or pin number. Try to add something new to the program - it's yours to tinker with! You can always press the 'Restore' button to return the code to the working example.

/* 'Print' the value of a variable to the serial monitor Don't forget to hit the 'monitor' button on the top toolbar of the code editor after you've uploaded your code! */ int counter = 0; //Create a variable named counter, that is an integer (whole number) and has a starting value of 0 void setup(){ Serial.begin(9600); // set up the serial monitor to show you data } void loop(){ Serial.println(counter); //'print' the value of the counter variable on the serial monitor delay(1000); //delay 1000 milliseconds (1 second) counter++; // add one to the counter variable with ++ } // (c) 2021 Let's Start Coding. License: www.letsstartcoding.com/bsdlicense

Walkthrough Video

Watch the video for a line-by-line explanation of how the example program works. Then you'll be ready to make some changes of your own!

Challenges

Can you complete the challenge? Change the code in your code editor above. Upload your code to see the effect when you're finished. Complete a challenge? Check it off the list!

Change the delay. How high can the variable go? Hint: It’s over 2 million, so you might want to set the starting value of the counter variable higher than 0!

Move the line of code int counter = 0; from above the void setup(); and into the void loop(); function, just above the line of code that says Serial.println(counter);. Now what happens to the variable value each time the loop runs?

Concepts

These are the new code concepts covered in this example program. To become a great coder, read through these concepts to learn new vocabulary.

Quiz

If you're having trouble, try to run an experimental program or look at the example code to help you find the answer.

1. Which syntax ends the entire 'void loop' function?

semicolon ;
parentheses )
closing curly brace }

2. Which syntax ends a single code command?

semicolon ;
closing curly brace }
period .

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