Learn Programming and Electronics with Arduino

How to Blink an LED with Arduino

The first program you usually write when learning a new programming language is called, “Hello World”. Its only function is to display the words “Hello World” on the computer monitor. When learning to program microcontrollers such as the Arduino, the equivalent of “Hello World” is a program that blinks an LED. Guess what it is called – Blink. You Will Need An LED (any color works fine) A 220 Ohm Resistor An alligator clip (not essential but makes the circuit easier) Fourteen small an...

Understanding Variables

Let’s have a discussion about a powerful and semi-confusing programming topic – variables. Arduino code variables are like buckets. You choose what types of stuff you want in the bucket and can change the contents as often as you like. When you declare a variable, you are telling the program two things, firstly – what types of things you plan to put in the bucket, and secondly, what the name of the bucket is so you can refer to it later.   If you like this tutorial, click here to check o...

Understanding Variables

Let’s have a discussion about a powerful and semi-confusing programming topic – variables. Arduino code variables are like buckets. You choose what types of stuff you want in the bucket and can change the contents as often as you like. When you declare a variable, you are telling the program two things, firstly – what types of things you plan to put in the bucket, and secondly, what the name of the bucket is so you can refer to it later.   If you like this tutorial, click here to check o...

Understanding Arduino Syntax

Arduino Code & Syntax Overview As you learned in Module 01, IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. Pretty fancy sounding, and should make you feel smart any time you use it. The IDE is a text editor-like program that allows you to write Arduino code. When you open the Arduino program, you are opening the IDE. It is intentionally streamlined to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. When you save a file in Arduino, the file is called a sketch – a sketch is where...

Arduino IDE and Sketch Overview

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. Pretty fancy sounding, and should make you feel smart anytime you use it. The IDE is a text editor like program that allows you to write computer code for your Arduino board. When you open up the Arduino program, you are opening the IDE. It is intentionally stream lined to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. When you save a file in Arduino, the file is called a sketch - a sketch is where you save all the computer code th...

Download & Install the Arduino IDE

One of the absolute best things about the Arduino IDE and platform is how easy it is to get started. The software that is installed on your computer is completely free and designed specifically for ease of use. The program is called an Integrated Development Environment, or IDE. The fancy name might intimidate you, but it runs just like a text editing program. As with any software install, you may have some peculiar things working on your computer that can hinder a smooth installation. I h...

Tutorial 01: Hardware Overview

What are all the components on that aesthetically pleasing blue Arduino circuit board? What does GND stand for, and what is with the "~" mark next to those plastic lifted holes mean? This tutorial covers the hardware on the Arduino board that you will likely use as you work on projects. It is by no means a comprehensive study of the physical layout, but enough to make you familiar with the parts you will be using. On an aside - isn't the packaging great too? Clean, compact and appealing ...

Introduction to the Arduino Crash Course

What can you do with Arduino? Let's get pumped!

I want to get you excited about the possibilities when you learn some basic programming and electronics that drive the Arduino.  It is literally amazing what you can do.

Prelude to the Arduino Crash Course

The premise of our course is that Arduino is a tool to assist in prototyping your imagination.

Arduino Lessons from Programming Electronics Academy

This is the introduction for the following lessons on the programming and electronics of Arduino.  Michael talks about the following lessons, the Arduino Crash Course, and the premium Arduino Course for Absolute Beginners.