Programming the Atom is probably one of the largest handycaps for begginers. Making the upgrade from the Parallax stamp, it is undesirable to wait 3 minutes to program the Atom when on the stamp a program would be loaded in 20 seconds. As a begginer much time is spent simply making trial and error changes. I have noticed that none of the verify routines are needed after the initial program write function. I simply select Cancel. This saves me at least 1 full minute for program changes. In addition, the entire program write function is not needed either.
For short programs, Programming can be canceled at 20% or less depending on program size and yet the Atom program will work fine.
It would be very easy to modify the compiler to have a software switch set to disable the Verify routine. It also would easily be possible to check the program size and only program a percentage of the Atom that is needed, not the entire 100% everytime.
I realize that for production work, critical work etc, the full verify and complete program function would be wanted, but for simple changes, you could allow the programmer the option of a speedy program mode.
You may wish to consider this in your next upgrade.
_Kerry