Starting Your Journey with Arduino Products

Welcome to the world of Arduino! But before you dive into controlling the amazing world around you, it's essential to set up the software needed to program your board effectively.

Introducing the Arduino Software (IDE)

The Arduino Software (IDE) is your gateway to writing programs and uploading them to your board. When you visit the Arduino Software page, you'll find two options tailored to your needs:

  • Arduino Web Editor (Online IDE): If you have a reliable internet connection, this is your go-to choice. The online IDE allows you to save your sketches in the cloud, making them accessible from any device and backed up. Plus, you'll always have the most up-to-date IDE version without the hassle of manual updates or community-generated libraries.

  • Desktop IDE: If you prefer working offline, you should opt for the latest version of the desktop IDE. It provides a reliable, local environment for your Arduino projects.

Coding Online with the Arduino Web Editor

Using the online IDE is a breeze. Your boards work out-of-the-box on the Web Editor, so you only need to install the Arduino Create Agent to get started. It's a hassle-free way to code and experiment with your Arduino.

Installing the Arduino Desktop IDE

If you choose to use the desktop IDE, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions for various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and even a portable version for Windows and Linux. We also offer the Arduino Create App for ChromeOS in the Chrome Web Store.

Selecting Your Board

Choosing your board is a crucial step. In the list on the right, you'll find guidance on getting started with your specific board and how to use it in the Desktop IDE. This will help you kickstart your projects with confidence.

Learning Arduino

New to Arduino? We've got you covered. Read our introduction to understand what Arduino is and why you'd want to use it. Learn about the Arduino Software (IDE) and how to customize its default language. Explore our resources on libraries, cores, and troubleshooting, providing you with solutions when things don't quite go as planned.

For an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques behind the Arduino platform, we've compiled a comprehensive list of guides in our Foundations section.

Embark on Your Arduino Journey

Are you eager to roll up your sleeves and start creating? Making the Arduino StarterKit projects and reading the book 'Getting Started with Arduino' are fantastic ways to immerse yourself in coding and electronics. Your journey with Arduino begins here, and the possibilities are endless.

Arduino Education

Are you an educator seeking to infuse innovation into your classroom? Arduino Education is your partner in fostering a hands-on learning experience for your students. We're committed to empowering educators with the necessary hardware and software tools to make learning programming and electronics fun and inspiring. Let's start this educational journey together.

Taking Care of Your Arduino

Now that you're all set to embark on your Arduino journey, let's talk about taking care of your board. These basic tips will help ensure your Arduino remains in excellent working condition:

  1. Avoid Food and Drinks: While working on your projects, try not to eat or drink near your Arduino board. It doesn't appreciate getting wet, and crumbs can wreak havoc on the connections.

  2. Dust and Debris: If your Arduino has been running for a while and has collected dust, use an air duster to remove dust and debris from the board's surface and hard-to-reach areas.

  3. Liquid Spills: Be cautious not to spill liquids on your board. In case of accidental spills, use an IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipe to safely remove grease, dirt, and dust from the board. Ensure your board is disconnected from the computer or power source before cleaning.

  4. Sharing Your Arduino: In the spirit of open source and Arduino's culture of sharing, if you intend to share your board, especially in these challenging times with Covid-19, consider disinfecting it using a 222nm UV Sterilization Lamp, ideally one designed for safe use in a cabinet.

At Arduino, we're all about sharing ideas, content, software, and hardware. We're excited to have you on board and ready to explore the world of Arduino. Welcome to a community that's passionate about innovation and learning. Let's create, build, and innovate together!