An AI-Driven System for Learning MQTT Communication Protocols with Python Programming

Abstract

With rapid developments of wireless communication and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, an increasing number of devices and sensors are interconnected, generating massive amounts of data in real time. Among the underlying protocols, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) has become a widely adopted lightweight publish–subscribe standard due to its simplicity, minimal overhead, and scalability. Then, understanding such protocols is essential for students and engineers engaging in IoT application system designs. However, teaching and learning MQTT remains challenging for them. Its asynchronous architecture, hierarchical topic structure, and constituting concepts such as retained messages, Quality of Service (QoS) levels, and wildcard subscriptions are often difficult for beginners. Moreover, traditional learning resources emphasize theory and provide limited hands-on guidance, leading to a steep learning curve. To address these challenges, we propose an AI-assisted, exercise-based learning platform for MQTT. This platform provides interactive exercises with intelligent feedback to bridge the gap between theory and practice. To lower the barrier for learners, all code examples for executing MQTT communication are implemented in Python for readability, and Docker is used to ensure portable deployments of the MQTT broker and AI assistant. For evaluations, we conducted a usability study using two groups. The first group, who has no prior experience, focused on fundamental concepts with AI-guided exercises. The second group, who has relevant background, engaged in advanced projects to apply and reinforce their knowledge. The results show that the proposed platform supports learners at different levels, reduces frustrations, and improves both engagement and efficiency.