Introduction: What Is an Arduino? Why Should I Own One?

By ElectronicTechwizards

If you are wondering what an Arduino board is? And how it can help you to do your own project. Then this post is for you to get a clear picture of what it is.

Arduino is a single board micro-controller and it is an open-source hardware which works on Integrated Development Environment(IDE).


"Arduino is an open source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible,easy-to-use hardware and software.Its intended for artists,designers,hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or Environments" -arduino.cc

Step 1: HISTORY OF ARDUINO:

Lets know the history of this little master mind.

Arduino was developed in 2005 at Ivera Interaction Institute ,Itally and it was designed by Massimo Banzi,Giancla Martio ,Dave Mellis,David Cuartielles with Nicholas Zambetti. It was named after one of their kings Arduin of Ivera.

Step 2: ARDUINO TYPES:

Over the time Arduino boards have Evolved into different shapes and sizes with different specifications.

These boards can be classified based on Categories like

  1. Entry level
  2. Enhanced Features
  3. Small SizeWearable and
  4. IOT(Internet Of Things)

There are varieties of Arduino boards with different versions are available to serve different purpose with same core functions.

Some of the popular Arduino boards are

  • Arduino diecimila
  • Arduino duemilanove
  • Arduino UNO
  • Arduino leonardo
  • Arduino mega
  • Arduino nano
  • Arduino due
  • Lillypad arduino
  • ArduinoYUN
  • Arduino robot

Step 3: ARDUINO SOFTWARE:

The Arduino uses an open source software IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

It can be used to easily write program codes and upload it to the Arduino board. This software runs in cross platforms.

Download software: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

Programming Language:

The Arduino is built around an easy to use programming language that will help the novices learn to code easily. It works on a programming language called processing an open source language which works on IDE and it was developed from Wiring language.

Step 4: Why Should I Own a Arduino?

Well,if you are like me a beginner in electronics who wishes to work with electronic circuits and create a own interesting projects but post-ponding things without knowing where to start and how to do?

Then Arduino is your solution!!!

With Arduino in your hand along with few sensors of your choice you can do many interesting stuff in a short time without great difficulty.

Why Arduino?when there is a lots of other micro-controller boards available? There are few reason I prefer Arduino over other boards.

1)It Is Less Expensive

Most people don't wish to spend too much money on their projects when they are trying to learn new things .With Arduino you don't need to worry about the expense. You can buy one at a low cost around 24$ or 1400 INR (for Arduino uno) or you can make your own Arduino board with blue print and circuit design available online. The Arduino clones are also available in the market which are half the price of the original one and it works exactly in the same as the original one.

2)Cross Platform

With Arduino software you don't have to worry about your OS since it is cross platform software you can install it in any OS like Linux,Windows ,Mac OS,Macintosh.

3)Simple and Easy

It is simple and easy to learn even a armature electronic hobbyist or a school student can understand the concepts and learn it fast and do their own projects in a very short time.

I Strongly recommend Arduino board for Engineering students ,School students and Hobbyists who wish to learn Electronic concepts in a fun filled way.