What are the steps to upload a sketch to an Arduino board?

 Uploading a sketch to an Arduino board is pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Install the Arduino IDE:

• Download the Arduino IDE from the official website.
• Install it on your computer following the instructions for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).

2. Connect the Arduino Board:

• Use a USB cable to connect your Arduino board to your computer.
• You should see the power LED on the Arduino light up.

3. Launch the Arduino IDE:

• Open the Arduino IDE on your computer.

4. Select the Correct Board:

• Go to Tools > Board: and select your specific Arduino model (e.g., Arduino Uno, Mega, Nano).

5. Select the Correct Port:

• Go to Tools > Port: and select the COM port associated with your Arduino.
  • On Windows, it might look like COM3, COM4, etc.
  • On Mac/Linux, it might look like /dev/tty.usbmodem or /dev/ttyUSB0.

6. Write or Open a Sketch:

• Write your own sketch or open an example from File > Examples.
  • For a quick test, try the Blink example:
    File > Examples > 01.Basics > Blink.

7. Verify the Sketch:

• Click the checkmark icon (✔️) in the top-left to compile your code.
  • This checks for errors.

8. Upload the Sketch:

• Click the right arrow icon (➡️) next to the checkmark to upload the sketch to your Arduino.
  • The TX (transmit) and RX (receive) LEDs on the board will blink during upload.

9. Check for Success:

• The IDE will show “Done uploading” if successful.
• If you're using the Blink sketch, the built-in LED (usually on pin 13) should start blinking.

10. Troubleshooting (if needed):

• If you get an error:
  • Double-check the board and port settings.
  • Ensure the USB cable is working (some are power-only).
  • Check if another program is using the COM port.

And that's it! You’ve just uploaded your first sketch.