IoT does not always require coding. Phones driven by Alexa may download apps that require simple configuration. With other examples, the app will consist of tools you configure to get answers. PTC ThingWorx is an example.

Yes, Python is great for starting and experimenting with Raspberry Pi, for example. Arduino is another great platform for learning using C/C++.

The workings of IoT happens in four steps: * Collect data from the real world * Analyze that data (possibly adding other data sources) * Produce an insight * Translate the insight into action that you can take to realize the experience in an outcome

IoT programming involves working with data to produce outcomes. Besides using programming languages, well-known data analysis frameworks used in data science have a major role to play.

Yes, IoT can be easy, but people make it difficult by misunderstanding how to obtain and use data to produce business outcomes they will value. Perfection is not essential, which makes IoT easier. If 50 percent of the benefit is easy to obtain at low cost, grab it now!

IoT will appear to vanish, as we will not explicitly see it. IoT will become a part of daily life everywhere. Already IoT applications are part of our everyday life.

IoT application examples include: * A house security camera that records and detects changes, while alerting a smartphone * An elevator monitoring system that tracks proper functioning, so that engineers can make scheduled maintenance at a convenient time before failure. * Drivers who are directed to vacant parking for their car in a smart city. * Hospital patient monitoring * Listening for earthquakes

An IoT application is used to gain insights from data. It can run in the cloud or in a data center at the edge—anywhere. It can run in your smartphone.

Almost everything we touch can be a part of IoT, but they must be able to provide information directly (from sensors) or indirectly (from video camera).

Examples include a robotic manufacturing machine, a physical environment sensor (like temperature, humidity, and light), or a remote-control light switch. Another example involves measuring the health of each physical system on a car (engine, brakes, transmission, satellite navigation, etc.) and determining if maintenance can be delayed (saving money) or brought forward (avoiding breakdown or failure). By doing this, a positive experience of the car can be maintained. This may please the owner who does not change vehicles very often. For the planet’s sake, maximizing the use of everything we make is essential.