Arduino (CS)

Definition

Arduino is an open-source hardware and software platform built around simple microcontroller boards, widely used for learning electronics and building embedded and IoT prototypes that directly control sensors, motors, and other components.

Overview

Launched in the mid-2000s, Arduino boards pair a microcontroller with an easy-to-use development environment, letting users write relatively simple programs, called sketches, that are compiled and uploaded directly to the board's memory. Unlike a Raspberry Pi, an Arduino typically runs no operating system at all — the uploaded program runs directly on the hardware, giving very direct, low-level control over pins used to read sensors or drive motors, lights, and other components. This makes Arduino especially well suited to simple, dedicated tasks in embedded systems and hobbyist electronics, where predictable, low-level hardware control matters more than general-purpose computing power. Its large ecosystem of official and third-party boards, sensors, and add-on shields, combined with an accessible programming language based on C/C++, has made it one of the most widely used platforms for learning electronics and prototyping IoT devices. Because Arduino hardware designs and much of its software are open-source, a large ecosystem of compatible clones and derivative boards has grown around the platform, further lowering the cost of entry for hobbyists and educators.

Key Features

• Simple microcontroller boards with accessible development tools
• Programs run directly on the hardware with no operating system
• Large ecosystem of sensors, motors, and add-on shields
• Open-source hardware designs and software toolchain
• Beginner-friendly programming language based on C/C++
• Strong community support and extensive project tutorials

Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

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