2-3 Month Programming Roadmap for Electrical Engineers
Weeks 1-2: C Programming (Embedded Foundation)
Why? For Arduino, microcontrollers, and basic embedded logic
Topics:
- Variables, Data types
- Loops, Conditional Statements
- Functions & Arrays
- Pointers (basic idea only)
- Input/Output, Interrupts
Resources:
- YouTube: CodeWithHarry C playlist
- Practice: HackerRank C or Replit
Mini Task:
- Blink LED logic (in C, using simulation or Arduino IDE)
Weeks 3-5: Python Programming (Automation & Data)
Why? For plotting, signal simulation, automation, ML intro
Topics:
- Python syntax, lists, loops, functions
- NumPy (for signals & arrays)
- Matplotlib (for plotting waveforms)
- Pandas (for CSV/data handling)
- Scipy basics (FFT, filter, signal tools)
- Automation with simple scripts
Resources:
- YouTube: freeCodeCamp Python or Telusko
- Book: Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
Mini Projects:
- Plot sine and square wave using NumPy
- Automate Excel from Python (voltage log data)
Weeks 6-7: MATLAB (Academic Simulation Powerhouse)
Why? For DSP, control, simulation, signals - common in EE labs
Topics:
- Basics: vectors, matrices, plots
- Signals: sine, square, sampling
- Simulink: open-loop and closed-loop models
- Transfer functions & bode plot
- Power electronics circuits (basic modeling)
Resources:
- YouTube: MATLAB for Engineers (Neso Academy, MathWorks)
- Simulink Tutorials: MathWorks Official
Mini Projects:
- Create and plot FFT of signal
- Design a PI controller in Simulink
- Simulate basic RLC circuit response
Weeks 8-10: Combine Skills - Project Phase
Choose 1-2 mini projects that use all 3 tools:
Project Ideas:
- IoT Sensor Data Logger: C (Arduino) + Python (plotting)
- Signal Analyzer: Python (FFT) + MATLAB (comparison)
- DC Motor Speed Control: Simulink + Embedded C
- Temperature Logger: Arduino C + Python pandas for CSV + Excel
Bonus Tips:
- Upload mini projects to GitHub
- Make a small Word/PDF report for each
- Add certifications (NPTEL Embedded, Coursera Python, MATLAB OnRamp)