# Using Multimeters for Basic Measurements A multimeter is an essential tool in your toolbox as a software engineer, particularly when working with hardware. Here is how you can use it for basic measurements: **Voltage Measurement** To measure voltage, set the multimeter to the “V” setting. Connect the probes to the circuit: black to the ground (common), red to the point of interest. The display will show the voltage level. Example: If you're testing a 5V Raspberry Pi pin, the multimeter should approximately indicate 5V. **Current Measurement** To measure current, the multimeter is set to the “A” (Amps) setting and must be connected in series with the circuit. So, you may need to disconnect a circuit component to do this. Example: If you want to measure current flowing through a resistor in a circuit, disconnect one end of the resistor. Connect the black probe to the circuit where the resistor was connected and the red probe to the disconnected resistor end. **Resistance Measurement** To measure resistance, disconnect the component from the circuit and set the multimeter to the “Ω” (Ohms) setting. Connect the probes at both ends of the component. The reading on the display is the resistance. Example: If you're measuring a resistor supposed to be 1000Ω, the multimeter should indicate a value close to this. **Continuity Test** A continuity test tells you if a connection is established between two points. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting (usually represented by a diode symbol). Connect the probes to the points you want to test. If there's a connection, the multimeter will beep. Example: You can test continuity in a PCB trace to ensure there's no break in the path. Remember, when not in use, always set your multimeter back to voltage measurement to avoid damaging it or the devices you're working with. While the multimeter does not directly involve coding, understanding how to use it can help debug hardware issues that may affect your software, such as incorrect voltages or problematic resistors.