Writing my first program.

[employeeno5]

I do interval training in which I require some form of alert after 30 seconds and then another alert after an additional 60 seconds, with that interval repeating. It would be great to have Rockbox emit a beep into my headphones in this 30/60 second intervals.

So I'm going to set out to write myself a plugin that does this. I'm not a coder. I understand some of the basic ideas behind programming and learned to use QBASIC back in elementary school and have taken a few Python tutorials for fun. However, really, I know nothing. That's ok, I'm looking at attempting this simple program as great learning activity.

However, I don't know where to start, especially in terms of doing this for Rockbox. Does it matter what language I choose? How do I compile for Rockbox and specifically the hardware I have it running on (iPod Video)?

I'm hoping there might be some beginer documentation somewhere or at least some friendly advice pointing me in the right direction. I'm happy figure out how to write the code myself. What I'm more curious about is if the language used bears any importance with Rockbox development and how one goes about compiling for an iPod running Rockbox once you're code is testing/complete.

I do apologize if these questions seem ridiculous, but like I said, I have no prior background in writing code though I'm eager to learn.

[Domonoky]

About making plugins:
They are written in C, you can find many tutorials for that via google :-)
You should first start by getting the source via svn, and set up a build enviroment (search the wiki on how todo that) and make sure you can build rockbox from source.
Then start reading apps/plugins/helloworld.c, modify it, try it on target and learn...

Another possibility for your needs might be the Lua plugin. Its a script language, so you can make rockbox do things without the need for compilers and a build-enviroment. Its more limited and slower then a normal plugin, but might be enough for your needs. Search the Wiki for more information about it.

[froggyman]

One book that you may want to consider getting is "The C programming language" by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie. I am currently reading it and it is great

[ipodzen]

I'm writing a very similar program to the one described here.  Everything is working correctly except the sound notifications.  Are there any quick dirty ways to play sounds and not interrupt music playing?

[Grahack]

You'll find a void pcmbuf_beep(unsigned int frequency, size_t duration, int amplitude) function here:

[ipodzen]

Thank you!  Worked like a charm.

[renne]

You'll find a void pcmbuf_beep(unsigned int frequency, size_t duration, int amplitude) function here:

What is the range and unit of the parameter "amplitude"?

What is the recommended way for user termination of a "pcmbuf_beep" loop?