Arduino is definitely the go to board for a large number of projects. Now to help us program on the go , they've launched the Web IDE for Arduino.

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. The Arduino Web IDE allows us to write code and upload it to any Arduino and Genuino board from your web browser. It is supported by Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. Most recommended browser is Chrome.

This Web IDE is a part of the Arduino Create, which is a platform for developers to write codes, access tutorials, configure boards and also share them to the world. This web IDE can also save your code on the cloud. In a nutshell, we can manage every aspect of our project online. In this Instructable, I will be explaining how to use the Web IDE.

Step 1: Sign Up and Login

To get things kicked off, you need to have an account. You can register by clicking here.

If you already have an account, you can login by clicking here.

After creating the account, you'll have to activate the account by clicking the confirmation link received to the registered email address. Once this is done login using you credentials.

Step 2: Download and Install Plugin

Once you have logged in, follow the flow diagram and install the plugins. These plugins will check whether the required drivers have been correctly installed. If there is no drivers installed, it will show a prompt through which you can install them manually. After successful installation of the plugin and drivers, the page will redirect to a typical Programming Environment.

Step 3: Description of the Environment

The Programming Environment can be divided into 3 columns.

The First Column: The first column is a menu which allows you to navigate between
- Your Sketchbook --> A collection of all your sketches (Codes).
- Examples --> The typical collection of example sketches which can be readily used.
- Libraries --> Contains packages that can be included in your sketches.
- Serial Monitor --> A feature where you can receive and send data to your board via USB.
- Help--> Glossary about Arduino terms
The Second Column shows the options of the selected menu item.
The Third column is the programming space where you can write your sketches and compile them. This is probably the most used area of the IDE. You will be able to upload the code to the board after verifying them.

Step 4: Let's See If the Setup Works

Now that you've learnt enough about the IDE, time to test and see if it works. We'll do this by making our board blink from the browser.

Connect the Board to your computer via USB cable. Another advantage of the Web IDE is that it auto-discovers the boards and serial ports. From the list (if you have multiple boards connected), pick the board you want to upload the code.
From Examples, choose 'Basic' and then 'Blink'. The blink sketch should now be displayed in the code area.
To Upload, click the upload button (right arrow) near the dropdown.
once the code is successfully uploaded, the on-board LED starts to blink.

Step 5: Supported Boards

The IDE automatically detects the kind of board and the port which it is connected to without having you manually select them. Currently, only Arduino/Genuino and few other boards are supported by the IDE. You can view the complete list of boards supported by clicking on the 'Select Board or Port' option above the coding area.

Hopefully, More boards will be added to that list.

Step 6: Highlights of the IDE

Here are a few awesome things to summarize all that you learnt so far:

It can be accessed from anywhere over the internet, which means your projects are available to you no matter wherever you are.
Since the Web IDE is a part of the Arduino Create, all your amazing work can be shared with the entire community.
It also has the serial monitor, which is pretty awesome on it's own.
Documenting the projects is way more easier now.
With so many libraries ready to be included, you couldn't ask for more.

That's All Folks!!! Stay tuned for more !!!