One of the biggest tech trends that’s emerging in recent years is the Internet of Things. Simply put, the Internet of Things (abbreviated IOT) is the idea that all technological devices can be connected to the internet and to each other in an attempt to create the perfect marriage between the physical and digital worlds.
Well, basically it’s adding on to the internet by integrating physical things into the network. So you do this by adding sensors to physical items.
Now, the Internet of Things creates cyber physical systems, which autonomously exchange information, trigger actions and control each other independently.
Top 10 Popular IoT Development Tools
Here are the top-class IoT development tools that can be employed by both developers and for all those who wish to pursue IoT as a DIY hobby.
1. Tessel 2
This is a hardware provider that can be used to build basic IoT solutions and prototypes. Tessel 2 lends a helping hand through its numerous sensors and modules. This is a board which can hold up to a dozen modules including the RFID, camera, GPS and the accelerometer.
All those Java developers who are proficient with Node.JS can use this device as Tessel can be programmed using Node.JS. This way, Tessel can be used to churn out a host of server and hardware firmware IoT solutions. Tagged as a robust IoT platform, you can leverage all the libraries of Node.JS to unveil a host of devices; within a matter of minutes.
It comes with two processors, the Tessel hardware makes use of a 580MHz Mediatek MT7620n and 48MHz Atmel SAMD21 coprocessor. While one can be used to run your firmware applications at a rapid speed, the other finds its use in exercising better input/output control and the efficient management of power.
2. Eclipse IoT
If you as an IoT developer are ordained to build IoT devices, Cloud platforms and Gateways, then Eclipse IoT can be your top bet. Recognized as a collaboration of various companies and individuals who are striving towards the development and establishment of IoT open technologies, Eclipse IoT can make all your IoT dreams come true.
Allowing you to develop, promote and adopt open source IoT technologies, Eclipse IoT is an instrument that can help you gain technical expertise. Simplylook into the vast assembly of services and projects delivered by the Eclipse team and you are all covered.
3. Arduino
If you are looking to build a computer that can sense and exercise a better control over the physical world when compared to your normal stand-alone computer, then Arduino can be your intelligent choice. Offering a perfect blend of IoT hardware and software, Arduino is an open-source prototyping and simple-to-use IoT platform. Arduino operates through a set of hardware specifications that can be applied to interactive electronics. The software of Arduino comes in the form of the Arduino programming language and Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
4. PlatformIO
Next in the list of top IoT development tools and platforms is PlatformIO which is a cross-platform IoT development environment. This platform comes with a build system, supported by a library manager and IDE. You have a choice to port the IDE on top of the Atom editor or you can go ahead and install it as a plug-in.
The best part of PlatformIO is that it is compatible with more than 200 boards. Coming with a wonderful debugging integration, PlatformIO is conspicuous of a serial port monitor. All those who are employing PlatformIO unanimously express one feeling and that is – “PlatformIO hastens up the development process of an IoT application, allowing us to deliver IoT solutions in record time”.
5. IBM Watson
Last in the list of top IoT development tools, but definitely not the least is IBM Watson, an API that allows you to attach a host of cognitive computing features to your IoT applications. This is an innovative tool that can also be used to predict the future.
Simplifying the tasks of IoT developers, IBM Watson through its numerous services helps to unveil chatbots which can understand the natural language. These chatbots can then be deployed on to messaging platforms and websites which can be viewed on various devices. It is through IBM Watson that IoT developers can successfully and swiftly build cognitive search and content analytics engines.
6. Raspbian
This IoT IDE is created for Raspberry Pi board by IoT tech enthusiasts. With over 35,000 packages and numerous examples along rapid installation with the use of pre-compiled software makes it an essential IoT development tool. Often, it is regarded as the best tool for Raspberry Pi for IoT app development. Another best part about this tool is that it is under constant development and has widened the reach for computing so that users can gain maximum benefits.
To learn about Raspberry Pi for home automation you can explore the different sections of “From 0 to 1: Raspberry Pi and the Internet of Things” online tutorial. It teaches you about the basics of IoT, Pis anatomy, Coding with Python, Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and so much more!
7. OpenSCADA
This tool is a part of the SCADA project by Eclipse IoT industry groups. It is independent to any platform and is known for its security and flexibility along with a modern design. OpenSCADA also supports editing and debugging and comes with front-end applications, back-end applications, libraries, configuration tools and interface applications. Its different tools can be combined with the development of advanced IoT applications. Unlike other IDEs, OpenSCADA supports various programming languages and consists of sub-projects like Atlantis, Utgard, Orilla and others.
8. Node-RED
Node-RED is a simple visual tool that is built on Node.js, a server-side JavaScript platform that is widely used in IoT projects. It is an open-source tool mainly used to connect devices, services and APIs together with an integrated browser-based flow editor. With over 60,000 modules, it was developed by IBM with the aim of providing a user-friendly interface for developers allowing them to connect devices very quickly and easily.
For learning Node.JS from the very beginning you can opt for “NodejS from Ground Up for Beginners” online tutorial. It unfolds with the installation, NPM, serving files, real-time HTTP requests, Express, MongoDB and other core concepts.
9. Kinomo Create
It is a device that can connect two devices without extensive knowledge of JavaScript. Kinoma Create consists of everything which is required for developing small IoT applications like connecting light, temperature or movement sensors for a specific purpose with mobile notifications in case of any alterations. You can also find numerous tutorials on its practical applications at Kinoma’s website. It has been widely used for developing a synthesizer, a camera trap which takes a photo if an animal or any other objects disturbs the laser beam and an automatic alarm bell for alerting individuals in case of any situations.
10. Device Hive
Device Hive is a free open source machine to machine (M2M) communication framework which was launched in 2012. It is a Data Art’s AllJoyn based device and is considered one of the most preferred IoT app development platforms. It is generally a cloud-based API that you can control remotely without the need for network configuration. The same implies to the libraries, portals and management protocols. Mostly, it is used for security, automation, smart home tech and sensors. Additionally, it also has a dynamic community and myriads of online resources available to help you out.
Bonus one
11. Home Assistant
It is an open-source tool that is primarily aimed at home automation and functions with a Python-based coding system. The IoT system developed with this tool can be easily controlled with mobile or desktop browsers. Furthermore, its set up is easy and is trusted for operations, security and privacy. The software supports any systems which are running on Python 3 and all the systems get regular updates within 2 weeks. Despite the lack of cloud components, its ability to protect the data during this internet age gives it an edge over others.
5 YouTube channels IoT practitioners must subscribe to
The Internet of Things is one of the leading technologies that is ruling the market. It can connect devices with the internet and work remotely easily. This opens up opportunities for developers to dive deeper into the world of technology. Here are some of the YouTube channels that the IoT developers can subscribe to.
1. Microsoft IoT Developer
This channel offers the latest updates and news about the Internet of Things for developers. The challenges help developers to deep dive into the technologies or services of Microsoft IoT. The channel was started on July 3, 2014, with more than 1,545,525 views.
2. Stacey On IoT
This channel is all about the latest internet-connected gadgets by Stacey Higginbotham. She explores the IoT gadgets, showing an exciting and interesting way of putting light on the technology. The channel was started on July 14, 2017, with more than 235,733 views.
3. IoT Now
IoT Now, started on February 15, 2021, with more than 50,288 views is a famous channel that covers experts opinions and Global IoT news. The channel covers the IoT industry covering IoT videos, IoT magazines, IoT news, IoT experts, and IoT talking heads.
4. The Things Network
The channel was founded on March 11, 2016, and has obtained 656,754 views. LoRaWAN and LoRa unveil the major aspects of the Internet of Things covering up the global open crowdsourced data network.
5. IoT World Series
The channel includes education, animated, entertaining, informative, and onsite content for the Internet of Things. Founded on December 5, 2014, with 264,254 views, IoT World Series covers Embedded IoT World and IoT World as the global leading event series.