Chapter 3

Blinking an LED

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Identifying your board

check Setting the software

check Uploading Blink

check Completing your first Arduino sketch

Brace yourself. You are about to take your first real step into the world of Arduino! You've bought a board, maybe an Arduino starter kit (possibly from one of the suppliers I recommended), and you're ready to go.

It's always a good idea to have a clear work surface or desk to use when you're tinkering. It's not uncommon to drop or misplace some of the many tiny components you work with, so make sure your workspace is clear, well lit, and accompanied by a comfortable chair.

By its nature, Arduino is a device intended for performing practical tasks. The best way to learn about Arduino, then, is in practice — by working with the device and doing something. That is exactly the way I write about it throughout this book. In this chapter, I take you through some simple steps to get you on your way to making something.

I also walk you through uploading your first Arduino sketch. After that, you examine how it works and see how to change it to do your ...

Get Arduino For Dummies, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.