Arduinos are widely utilized among students and it is used by hobbyists or students. There are numerous types of microcontrollers like raspberry pi available, but why Arduino when there are multiple microcontrollers available in the market?
Multiple microcontrollers are easily accessible, but Arduino stands out on the top as it is really easy to use, and it is pretty straightforward. Even an 8 years old can get started within no time. Using an Arduino helps build some programmable devices that you can control like you want to do.
You may be thinking that the first arduino was released back in 2007, and the technology is evolving very fast. Will it be worth learning in 2024?
Yes, Arduino is worth learning in 2024 because of its flexibility and easy to use. You can make any project from simple to the most complex ones. Not only you learn about Arduino, but it makes you understand better about other components that are supported with the microcontroller.
What is Arduino
Arduino was created as an open-source hardware platform by Massimo Banzi and David Cuartielles at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (IDII) in Ivrea, Italy. The Arduino boards are capable of reading light on a sensor, a Twitter message, or a finger on a button.
It is one of the most widely adopted platforms for any electronics. As of February 2020, there were active 30 Million users including a community based on the Arduino downloads.The Arduino is a hardware and software platform that allows developers to write code and build simple programming projects. It is used in various projects ranging from industrial automation to public art.
Arduino: A great introduction to programming
Do you think you have no time to learn about programming or microcontroller boards? Well, you don’t need it as well. Arduino is very flexible to learn, and you can manage home automation to control robot projects and many more.
Two things play a major role in Arduino: Hardware and software.
Hardware – includes different microcontrollers like Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega, Arduino Leonardo, and many other boards.
Software – Arduino IDE(Integrated Development Environment) is a free software that can easily be downloaded from the arduino.cc/downloads website, and it is used to write, and upload code on the Arduino for controlling different sensors.
Before you move a head and make up your mind to learn the language there are few steps you should follow to learn programming in a better way:
- Get basic knowledge about coding, and programming. Learn basic languages like C++, C sharp.
- Language is just a part of communication. Before you choose your board, you need to select the right language (I started with C++), but there are many other languages you can choose like block coding, or python.
- After learning the basic things about the language; just print ‘hello world’ on an LCD, or on a serial monitor. It will give you a clear idea about the programming language.
What languages are used to write programs for Arduino?
There are multiple languages and it is used for communication in the real world. On the contrary, it goes same for the Arduino. Also there are many languages like C++, Sharp, and Python that are used to write code for the Arduino board.
Learn C++
Estimated time to learn C++ – 2 months (Maximum)
You don’t need to learn everything, and be a bookworm. Learn the basics about loops, functions, and the concept behind it. You will do wonders within no time. The only key to success is practice, and that is the only thing that makes you ahead of the time.
Where to learn – There are pretty amazing platforms on the internet, but I would suggest you use schaum’s c++ outline, and Arduino cookbook as a reference book.
Key benefit of Arduino:
- Build awesome projects
- Arduino is best for beginners for programming
- Easy to learn
- Pretty inexpensive
- It is far better than Raspberry Pi if you are a beginner
Is it hard to learn Arduino?
No, Arduino is easy to learn, and it becomes a piece of cake when you have an electronic background, or you know any computer programming languages. It will hardly take you one or two weeks to understand things about Arduino, and you will be able to control things on your own.
Electronics, programming, and doing fantastic work with components are what you expect from Arduino.
Just think for a while. Can you do these tasks?
- Connecting cables
- Combine or plugin components
- Use keyboard
If the answer is yes, then you can definitely learn Arduino.
Should I learn Arduino? Is Arduino for me?
Starting with Arduino means jumping into the world of electronics and coding at a time. If you are ready to go with Arduino, you should have an idea of both things before starting.
Here are some steps you should follow if you want to go into the field of Arduino:
Let’s start with the software
- Get basic knowledge of coding. I didn’t mean to be an expert learning basic
While coding, first choose a language, any language. You can select C++ or block coding.
- Learn about variables, loops, and functions to begin. These are essential requirements of coding.
Now let’s discuss hardware.
For the hardware part, all you need to do is practice:
- Learn about voltage, resistance, current that will be enough to start.
- Now buy essential things for setting up a basic project like a breadboard, LED, push button, RGB LED, connecting wires, resistors, etc.
- Start making a simple project of glowing LED with battery, then try to control it via push button. After that, repeat the process with RGB LED.
- In your first attempts, you may damage something, but don’t worry as “Practising makes man perfect,” you will be good with time, and practice.
If you follow all steps, you definitely have a good idea of electronics. This is the time you can start working with Arduino.
List of the components you need to set up an Arduino project:
To start programming with Arduino, and get your hands on the project you need to buy a few components with Arduino, or you are getting stuck with the components list you should buy Arduino kit.
- US(UltraSonic) sensor for measuring the distance
- Arduino
- Chases and motors
- L293D shield of motor for driving purpose of motor
- LCD module
- IR sensor
- 7 segment display ( resistor, led, jumper wires, batteries potentiometer, push-button, etc.
How costly is Arduino?
Prices vary country to country, and board to board, but it won’t cost you not more than $30. As there are multiple boards available in the market it only depends on your requirement you want for your project. Arduino UNO is widely used for starters, and it costs you below $25. Arduino Mega (R3) is famous for 3d printers. It costs you $40 (It has the most number of analog, and digital pins).
| S.No | Arduino Board Name | Cost |
| 1 | Arduino UNO (R3) | $22.95 |
| 2 | Arduino Nano | $20.7 |
| 3 | Arduino Micro | $20 – $24.95 |
| 4 | Arduino Due | $41.95 |
| 5 | Lilypad Arduino Board | %15.95 |
| 6 | Arduino Bluetooth | |
| 7 | RedBoard Arduino Board | $19.95 |
| 8 | Arduino Mega (R3) Board | $40.30 |
| 9 | Arduino Leonardo | $21.95 |
| 10 | Arduino Robot | $20.90 |
| 11 | Arduino Esplora | |
| 12 | Arduino Pro Mic | $20.70 |
| 13 | Arduino Ethernet | $24.95 |
| 14 | Arduino Zero | $44.95 – $54.95 |
| 15 | Fastest Arduino Board | $25 |
How much does your Arduino kit cost?
Arduino kits are the easiest way to start your Arduino journey as you don’t have to buy components separately. I wouldn’t recommend you if you have some prior experience in Arduino, but I would highly recommend you to start with the Arduino kit. It will make your life easy. Here is a list of the Arduino kits with prices:
| S.No | Arduino Kits | Cost |
| 1 | Arduino Starter Kit | $70USD (without tax and shipping) |
| 2 | Elegoo UNO Project Super Starter Kit | $58 – $60 |
| 3 | Vilros Arduino Uno 3 Ultimate Starter Kit | $20 |
| 4 | LAFVIN Project Super Starter Kit | $50 |
| 5 | SunFounder Project Super Starter Kit for Arduino | $35 – $45 |
Conclusion
Arduino is worth learning. It is easy to understand, and there are several benefits of learning Arduino. Arduino is the cheapest hobby among people. In this era of technology, the number of Arduino lovers is increasing daily.