c - Which IO port for coding engines, sensors -

i control physical engines, switches on/off, lights through self written c api.

i have general overview of how achieve this:

use kernels abstraction, write driver on , use control. driver has manage incoming bytes , interpret them (depends on port).

i prefer use usb port because can use macbook develope.

but know protocol quite complicated. here specific questions:

1. which port use (is usb suitable option?)
2. could wire engine usbs power cables , connect data cables power swith or require board?
3. are there better docs os x, bsd or gnu/linux?

bodo

to control physical engines, have add @ least power supply board, there no way usb port drive dc motor (maybe led).

the easiest i/o port on computer lpt (parallel port), 'very' old thing. agree usb port convenient in order work advise buy small card.

this usb board (or of same kind) can trick.

i hope you,