Why is an Arduino program called a sketch?

Question

I've recently began Arduino development, and while explaining it to friends and co-workers, one of the questions I've received that I have no answer for and also would like to know is why is the program the microcontroller runs called a sketch? Is this a convention carried over from electrical engineering? I'm not familiar with the history of this particular term.

Answer 1

The Arduino programming language is based on Processing, which is aimed at visual artists. Hence a development version being a 'sketch'.

"Processing is a programming language, development environment, and online community that since 2001 has promoted software literacy within the visual arts. Initially created to serve as a software sketchbook and to teach fundamentals of computer programming within a visual context, Processing quickly developed into a tool for creating finished professional work as well."

• processing.org/about

Answer 2

That's a good question. You would be best to Google 'Processing' as that is the language and IDE that the Arduino borrows for constructing programmes. I'm guessing the name is abritrary, although it links in with the manner in which Arduino programmes are 'sketched' out and then improved upon.