How to program an Arduino?

 To program an Arduino, you basically: install the IDE → connect the board → pick the right board/port → write (or open) a sketch → upload → verify it runs.

1) Install the Arduino IDE

• Download Arduino IDE 2.x from Arduino’s official site (or use Arduino Web Editor).

2) Connect your Arduino

• Plug the Arduino into your PC with a USB cable.

• If it’s a clone board (especially with CH340/CP2102), you may need a USB-serial driver.

3) Select board + port in the IDE

In Arduino IDE:

• Tools → Board: choose your model (e.g., Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega 2560).

• Tools → Port: select the COM port (Windows) or /dev/tty... (Mac/Linux).

4) Write your first program (Blink)

Open:

• File → Examples → 01.Basics → Blink
  Or paste this:

// Blink LED on pin 13 (most boards have a built-in LED on 13)
void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
  delay(500);
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
  delay(500);
}

5) Upload it

• Click Verify (✓) to compile.

• Click Upload (→) to flash it to the board.

• The LED should blink.

6) Debugging basics

• Open Tools → Serial Monitor to see prints:

  • Add Serial.begin(9600); in setup()

  • Use Serial.println("Hello"); in loop()

Common upload problems (quick fixes)

• Wrong board/port selected → re-check Tools menu.

• COM port not showing → cable/driver issue.

• “Programmer not responding” → wrong board type or bootloader issue (common on some Nano clones).

• Permission error on Mac/Linux → close other apps using the port; on Linux add user to dialout group.