A prominent open-source single-board microcontroller is the Arduino. Learn how to program one and let your imagination run wild.

STEP 1
The Arduino UNO is the most popular, although there are more options. Before you start developing, do some research to determine which version is the best fit for your project.

STEP 2
To get started, download and install the Arduino Programmer (also known as the integrated development environment) (IDE).

STEP 3
This may necessitate the use of a special USB cable. If you’re using different Arduinos, you’ll need to adjust the port because each one has a separate virtual serial-port address.

STEP 4 
In the Arduino Programmer, select the board type STEP 4 In the Arduino Programmer, select the board type

STEP 5 
To load one of the example sketches, open it and press the upload button. The Arduino should start responding to the program: for example, if you configure it to blink an LED light, the light should begin to blink.

STEP 6
To upload new code to the Arduino, you’ll either need access to code that you can enter into the programmer or you’ll have to write it yourself using the Arduino programming language. A typical Arduino sketch consists of five sections: a header describing the sketch and its author; a section defining variables; a setup routine that sets the initial conditions of variables and runs preliminary code; a loop routine where you add the main code that will execute repeatedly until the sketch is stopped; and a section where you can list other functions that activate during the setup and loop routines. The setup and loop routines must be included in all sketches.

STEP 7
Disconnect your Arduino from your computer and incorporate it into your project as suggested once you’ve uploaded the updated sketch.