What exactly is Arduino?
The open-source electronic platforms gives you a lot of possibilities. Arduino is based on easy-to-use hardware and embedded systems, and therefore using Arduino is recommended for both younger and more experienced users, who are seeking an attractive way to learn and develop their skills. The selected simple Arduino boards are also great for children as they allow them to understand how do electronics work.
Arduino offers great opportunities, but it is not only for IT students. Boards are used by high school and college students around the world. Arduino's numerous overlays (Arduino Shields) enable communication with software as well as data visualization and controlling the dynamic objects in real time.
No other programming environment that would enable rapid writing and running programs has yet been invented. Arduino allows you to test communication with a new integrated circuits without any technical difficulties.
Arduino Shields – endless possibilities
Arduino has become a world standard in programming electronics. Many other microcontrollers manufacturers produce modules that are fully compatible with the Arduino PCBs and Shields. Great example might be a LaunchPad boards (for Texas Instruments processors) or STM32 Nucleo (for 32-bit ST Microelectronics microcontrollers).
The way you are using Arduino is up to you. With many Arduino Shields to choose from there are a lot of possibilities. Modules responsible for control motors, network devices (via relays) and LED RGB lighting, as well as numerous sound overlays – once you have bought Arduino the adventure will never ends! If you want to expand your project, just buy an additional module at a low price.
This is one of the most important advantages of Arduino – there are so many modules available that what exactly are going to construct depends entirely on you! For instance, if you have basic Arduino PCB and buy Arduino Motor Shield, some little engines and tyres, with a little knowledge of programming you will be able to construct a self-driving robot that avoid obstacles!
Accessories for Arduino
Arduino PCBs and additional modules are not everything. Arduino also uses universal prototype accessories: contact plates, connection cables and many other accessories. In addition, you can buy small components, e.g. resistors, LEDs and sensors, that will enrich your project. Arduino has also created an impressively wide range of enclosures, both the simplest – providing basic mechanical protection of the board – and the more advanced ones dedicated for industrial applications (DIN rails boxes and cases).
At the very beginning of the adventure with Arduino, you can also decide on an easier step. By choosing any of the proposed starter kits, you can be sure that you will receive all the elements you need to build your first projects and have fun with electronics.
