If you like a challenge, try finding a reasonably clear explanation of what an Arduino actually is. For example, take the official introduction:
Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online. All this is defined by a set of instructions programmed through the Arduino Software (IDE).
Oh right, obviously. A prototyping platform with an IDE. It’s all clear now!
How about this: an Arduino is a tiny computer that you can 1) program and 2) plug wires into. Those wires can connect to lights or buttons or sensors or the internet or really anything.
This means that when using an Arduino, writing a program can now affect the world around you.
It’s super easy and tons of fun, basically.
Nothing. Nothing! I promise, I swear, I triple-swear, you need exactly zero technical background to work with Arduino. If you can plug a USB cable into your computer, you can use an Arduino.
If you’re like some people, using programming and wires and resistors and microcontrollers might sound a little intense and intimidate you a little. After you’re working with Arduino for about 30 minutes, you’ll giggle at this silly past version of yourself.
Did I mention it’s tons of fun yet? That helps a lot.
But if we want to get specific: along the way you’ll learn a little of the C++ programming language and some magic about how electronics work.
Pumped yet? Get started!
Usually when someone makes something - a computer, a television, a radio - they lock it down with patents and copyrights and all sorts of legal nonsense. That way no one can copy it, and the creators can get mad rich!
That’s the exact opposite of Arduino.
When some cool Italian guys first came up with the idea to build an Arduino, they made it open-source, which means anyone could copy it and improve upon it and sell their own versions.
As a result, this is an Arduino and this is an Arduino and this is an Arduino, even if they all are made by different people and look a little different!
NOTE: Teeeeechnically they’re ‘Arduino-compatible’ and not ‘Arduinos’, but let’s not split hairs.
First we need to install a few things and check that you have the right supplies.
Here goes! Step one: Supplies List