SDK for newbies

[jdruano]

Hi there,

I have been working with ESP8266 for two weeks now using Arduino IDE.
I would like to use Espressif SDK but I have no idea where to start as I do not understando how to use the files on Github. I have watched videos online about the native SDK but I do not get any complete guide or step by step manual for a newbie.

Is there anybody who could help me, please?

[pratik]

Hi!
I'd love to help you out, but may I please know your current level of experience with embedded systems?
The Arduino interface is very simplistic compared to the SDK, which implements complex programming methodologies. Also, the ESP8266 processor is not a standard core like an ARM. So things are tough for newbies.

[jdruano]

Hi, thank you so much for your help.
I have worked with FPGA from Altera, industrial controllers like PLC's and basic microcontrollers from Microchip. That's all my previous experience in this field.

I haven't worked with Linux or Ubuntu ever, and as far as I understand (from the little documentation I've found), the SDK works in those OS.

I have no idea where to start developing.

[pratik]

I'd highly recommend you to try out FreeRTOS first with the microcontrollers that you can program right now, the Microchip ones.
The ESP8266 architecture is complex like an ARM processor and so you will be facing a ton of problems if you start out directly with ESP8266 native programming. Experience with FreeRTOS is necessary. And knowledge of ARM processors is a plus.

Meanwhile, you should use the AT command set itself to get familiar with embedded networking.
Or use a third party platform like the NodeMCU (based on ESP8266) for easy scripting and creation of applications!

I'd really not recommend starting out with native ESP8266 programming straight away if you come from a hardware design background.