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Created byDr. Peter Dalmaris

Last updated 12/2024

English

What you'll learn

Build simple circuits around the Arduino Uno, that implement simple functions.
Write simple Arduino sketches that can get sensor reading, make LEDs blink, write text on an LCD screen, read the position of a potentiometer, and much more.
Understand what is the Arduino.
Understand what is prototyping.
Understand analog and digital inputs and outputs
Understand the ways by which the Arduino can communicate with other devices
Use the multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance and continuity
Use protoboards to make projects permanent
be productive with the Arduino IDE, write, compile and upload sketches, install libraries
Understand what is Arduino programming, it's basic concepts, structures, and keywords
Detect and measure visible light, color, and ultraviolet light
Measure temperature, humidity and acceleration
Measure the distance between the sensor and an object in front of it
Detect a person entering a room
Detect a noise
Make noise and play music
Display text on a liquid crystal display
Learn about the Arduino IDE 2.0 and the Arduino Web Editor

Course content

20 sections • 165 lectures • 21h 20m total length

What is this course about?6:42
In this lecture I will describe the course so that you know exactly what to expect from it.
Parts you will need18:02
In this lecture, I will walk you through the hardware and the tools that you need to do the experiments. E.g. LCD screen, buttons shield, a microphone, an infrared motion sensor, and many other bits and pieces.
Tools you will need9:52
In this lecture, I will walk you through the, absolutely, basic and necessary tools that you need for this course. Those tools are fewer than you may think. You don't need that much in order to have fun with electronics.
How to get the most out of this course3:39
In this lecture, I'd like to show you the features that are available for you during your learning process. Let's have a look first at the structure of each one of the sections. All the lectures are organized into sections. We use multiple choice quizzes to test and consolidate your knowledge. Brain stretchers to challenge your thinking. Schematics are available to download.
Update 2022 brief3:03
Update the course with new lectures and up-to-date coverage of the Arduino web IDE, IDE 2.0, and MK and Nano Iot boards, with embedded wiring schematics and refreshed links.
Update 2024 brief6:37
Update 2024 B brief (added simulators section)2:17
Explore online Arduino simulators, compare Walkway and Tinkercad, and learn to set up projects, write code, and simulate simple Arduino experiments.

Introduction to this section0:40
In this section, you'll learn about the Arduino and why it's been such an important part of the Maker Revolution.
The Arduino Uno over the years13:11
Getting to know the Arduino Uno: Atmega328P, USB, Shields11:00
In this lecture, you will be walked through the Arduino board, have a look at the components that you see on it and explain what each of those components is and what it does.
Getting to know the Arduino Uno: Pins, power, clock10:18
In this lecture, we will look at the different pins and their functions on the Arduino Uno.
Using the digital output pins13:13
In this lecture, we look at the Arduino's most important feature, its general purpose input output pins. These are the pins that allow you to interact with external devices like LEDS and buttons.
Using the digital input pins10:18
In this lecture, we look at digital pins as inputs.
Using the analog output pins8:15
In this lecture, we look at the the "analog" output.
Using the analog input pins8:02
In this lecture, we look at the last function of the digital input/output pins -the analog input and how the analog input works.
End of section quiz

The Arduino Uno R4 Minima: an overview9:15
Power options4:39
Learn the Arduino Uno R4 minima power options—usb, barrel connector, and Vin pin—with a 6–24v input range, and power the board via usb-c or external batteries.
Digital and PWM output on the R4 Minima7:44
Digital and analog input on the R4 Minima5:19
Demonstrates digital and analog input on the Arduino Uno R4 minima, showing the button and potentiometer signals visualized with an oscilloscope, matching the R3 in wiring and programming.
Arduino Uno R4 analog input DAC4:26
Human Input Device (HID)2:53
Real-Time Clock3:57

Introduction to this section0:49
In this section, we look at the basics of the three communication standards that are implemented in a microcontroller that powers the Arduino. We will look at the serial UART, and I²C which is also known as TWI and SPI communications.
Serial (UART) communications7:43
In this lecture, we look at the serial UART.
I²C (TWI) communications8:24
In this lecture, we look at the I²C.
SPI communications7:33
In this lecture, we look at SPI Communications.
End of section quiz

Introduction to this section1:01
In this section, we look at various members of the Arduino family :Arduino Uno, Arduino Mega 2560, Arduino Due, Arduino Zero, the Arduino 101 and, the Arduino Pro Mini. We also look at Arduino compatible boards.
Arduinos past and present12:46
Explore the diversity of arduino boards—from UNO and pro mini to nano and MKR wifi 1010—and compare form factors, microcontrollers like omega 328 and samd21, and shield compatibility.
Classic Arduinos1:23
Meet some members of the Arduino family5:10
In this lecture we look at some members of the Arduino family.
Introducing the Arduino Mega 25605:14
In this lecture, we look at the Arduino Mega 2560.
Introducing the Arduino Due6:53
In this lecture, we look at the Arduino Due.
Introducing the Arduino Zero5:17
In this lecture we look at the Arduino Zero.
Introducing the Arduino Pro Mini4:56
In this lecture we look at the Arduino Pro Mini.
Introducing Arduino-compatible boards10:42
In this lecture we look at Arduino compatible boards.
Modern Arduinos10:16
Arduino MKR6:10
Arduino Nano5:25
Kits2:05
Arduino Student Kit5:21
Arduino Explore IoT Kit8:15
Seeed Studio Arduino Sensor kit5:19
DFRobot Beginner Kit for Arduino8:41
End of section quiz

Introduction to this section0:32
In this section, you will learn about the basics of prototyping with the Arduino. We look at tools like the breadboard and the motor meter, and show you how to solder and use protoboards.
Using the breadboard13:56
In this lecture we will look at prototyping basics and the breadboard.
Using jumper wires7:10
In this lecture we look at jumper wires.
The absolutely essential tools8:01
In this lecture we look at the essential tools.
Powering your Arduino with power supplies4:01
In this lecture we look at powering your Arduino with power supplies.
Using the multimeter to measure voltage7:26
In this lecture we look at working with the multimeter to measure voltage.
Using the multimeter to measure current5:28
In this lecture we look at working with the multimeter to measure current.
Important notice: This video contains an error when I (try to) measure current with me low-cost multimeter. In the video, you can notice that the red lead is connected to the voltage "V" socket. This is appropriate for voltage measurements, but for current I should have moved the red lead to the "A" socket. I will re-do this lecture, however in the meantime, please remember that when you want to measure current, connect your black probe to the GND socket, and the red probe to the "A" socket.
The multimeter - Resistance and continuity6:35
In this lecture we look at working with the multimeter to measure resistance and continuity.
The Arduino Student Kit multimeter23:39
Introduction to soldering - the soldering iron11:24
In this lecture we start our introduction to soldering.
Soldering - preparation and using holders5:16
In this lecture we look at soldering- preparation and using holders.
Soldering - using wire cutters and fume extractor2:22
In this lecture we look at Soldering- using wire cutters and the fume extractor.
Soldering - Simple maintenance tips for your solder iron3:07
In this lecture we look at Soldering- Simple maintenance tips for your soldering iron.
A demonstration of soldering a header onto a breakout board13:46
In this lecture we demonstrate soldering a header onto a breakout.
An introduction to protoboards15:20
In this lecture we look at an introduction to protoboards.
End of section quiz

Introduction to this section0:46
The way by which you teach the Arduino what to do, is by programming it. An Arduino program is called a sketch and the best way to write one is to use the free programming environment that is offered by the company that makes the Arduino. This programming environment called the Arduino IDE or Arduino Integrated Programming Environment has been designed with a new Arduino maker in mind and provide a gentle introduction to programming.

The Arduino IDE is used to write a sketch, check that is correct and provide a simple way of uploading it to your Arduino so that it runs on it. In this section, I will introduce you to the Arduino IDE and walk you through all of its most important features and prepare you for becoming very productive with it.
Arduino IDE 1.85:24
Arduino IDE 2.010:24
Explore Arduino IDE 2.0 release candidate features, compare with 1.8.x, and learn to use the cloud remote sketchbook, boards and libraries managers, and automatic upload.
An introduction to the Arduino IDE8:00
What I want to talk about in this lecture is the Arduino integrated development environment, the IDE, the free tool that you use in order to program your Arduino.
In a later lecture in the same section I'm going to show you how to use the USB port to program you Arduino
Getting and installing the Arduino IDE7:45
In this lecture we look at getting and installing the Arduino IDE.
The Arduino IDE - Understanding the Preferences pane18:13
In this lecture we look at the Arduino IDE- Understanding the preferences pane.
The Arduino IDE - Understanding the Menu items12:49
In this lecture we look at The Arduino IDE menu items.
How to upload a sketch to your Arduino9:36
In this lecture we look at How to upload a sketch to your Arduino.
How to upload a sketch to your Arduino - For Windows users9:13
In this lecture we look at How to upload a sketch to your Arduino -for Windows.
End of section quiz

Introduction to this section1:02
In the previous section, you learned about the Arduino IDE, the tool of choice for people new to the Arduino. When it comes to the Arduino and microcontrollers in general, programming is a case skill. It's as important at least as a basic understanding of electronics but fear not. It can achieve a lot by achieving a basic level of competency in programming. In this section, I will introduce you to the Arduino programming basics. You will learn about functions, variables, and control structures. You'll learn how to control the Arduino digital input and output pins. You will use this knowledge to control LEDs and read the state of buttons and the geometers, some of the most commonly used components in Arduino prototyping.
An introduction to Arduino programming5:10
In this lecture we look at an introduction to Arduino programming.
Understand the basic parts of an Arduino sketch14:33
In this lecture we look at Understanding the basic parts of an Arduino sketch.
Getting started with custom functions15:30
In this lecture we look at getting started with custom functions.
Creating custom functions and the return keyword6:03
In this lecture we look at creating custom functions with parameters.
Using variables12:26
In this lecture we look at using variables.
Understanding variable scope7:04
In this lecture we look at Understanding the variable scope.
Understanding constants3:33
In this lecture we look at understanding constants.
Introduction to control structures: The "if" statement5:21
In this lecture we will talk about loops and conditionals. Conditionals are useful when you want to change the flow of execution in your sketch, and loops are useful when you want to repeat a block of code multiple times. Very often, these two work together and that's why I discuss them here together. Let's start with a conditional, and let's have a look at the simplest conditional out there. It's the "if" statement.
Introduction to control structures: The "while" statement3:53
In this lecture we will look at the "while" structure.
"While" is a way to create a loop.
There is a decision involved, so it's not strictly speaking a controlled structure. It's a looping structure, a repeat structure.
Introduction to control structures: The "For" statement4:14
Another very common looping structure that is available on the Arduino is the "for" loop.
The "for" loop is a way to explicitly repeat a block of code a specific number of times that we have predetermined.
In this lecture I will show you how this works.
Introduction to control structures: The "Switch" statement4:18
The next structure that I'd like to show you for this part of the lecture is the "switch" structure.
The "switch" structure provides an easy way to allow you to jump to a particular part of the structure, depending on the value of the variable.
This is useful if you have things such as a bunch of buttons and you want your gadget to do something different depending on which button was pressed.
Digital output - how to control an LED14:44
Now that you have a good, even though it's just the beginning, understanding of some of the basic concepts in Arduino programming. You can move on and have a look at how to use the digital input and output pins that come with the Arduino. Of course input and output are fundamental features of the market controller can connect devices to special pins on your Arduino and to read or change the state of these pins, through special instructions in your sketch. There are two kinds of input and output pins on the Arduino. They are digital and analog pins.
In this lecture,we'll start with digital pins.
Digital input - how to read the state of a button13:50
Getting an LED to blink is quite easy once you understand how to configure a digital pin to become an output control, the delay, and so on fairly simple.
But what about a button? A button requires to configure a digital pin as an input, so that we can use it to detect the button's state. In this lecture, I will show you how to do this.
Analog input - how to read the state of a potentiometer9:02
In this lecture we will continue our work with the Arduino's input/output pins by taking a look at the analog pins.
Analog signals on microcontrollers is a tricky topic. Most microcontrollers can't generate true analog signals, that means they cannot create and output true analog signals, like an audio signal for example. But they are better at reading analog signals, so they can read for example, the output of a microphone. The atmega328p which is used in the Arduino Uno simulates analog signals using a technique called "pulse width modulation", and I'll talk a little bit about it a bit later when we look at how we can get the LED to, instead of just turning on and off, to get it to fade gradually from an fully off state to a fully on state.
Analog output - how to create a fading LED15:06
Reading an analog value is very simple. But what about creating an analog signal? And why would we want to do this?
In this lecture, I will explain both.
Introduction to the RGB (color) LED8:53
In this lecture, what I'd like to do is to first, show you how to use an RGB LED, a red, green, blue color led to, of course, create red green and blue light coming out of the LED.
Wiring the RGB LED13:47
In this lecture I will show you how to wire up your RGB LED.
RGB LED: creating colors2:29
In this lecture I will show you how to combine the red green and blue color components to create other colors.
Using a library to control an RGB LED with PWM16:29
In this lecture I will show you how to use a library in order to make RGB color control much easier.
Learning more with the Arduino language documentation5:01
In this lecture I will show you some of the best resources available for people working with the Arduino. You will need them!
End of section quiz

Introduction to this section0:46
In this section, I will introduce you to your first set of sensors. You can use these sensors to detect the visible light, light color, and ultraviolet light. Sensors like these can be used in all sorts of gadgets. You can use a light sensor to detect light intensity in a room so that your home automation system can figure out when to turn on the lights. You can use an RGB sensor to sort LEGO bricks according to color, and then ultraviolet sensor to know if you should stay away from the outdoors. These are just some examples. There are so many more in industrial and consumer applications. Let's have a look at light sensors.
What is a photoresistor and how to wire it13:00
In this lecture we're going to play around with the photoresistor. The photoresistor is one of the simplest sensors that you can use with your Arduino. It's a very simple analog device you measure voltage as it spins and that gives us an indication of the intensity of the light in the area around the sensor.
How to select the appropriate fixed resistor for a photoresistor8:48
In this lecture I will explain how to select the appropriate fixed resistor to use with your photoresistor.
Using the Ultra-Violet light sensor13:21
In this lecture we're going to have a look at this UV light sensor. Ultra-violet radiation, is part of the light spectrum that is both useful and also harmful to humans
An introduction to the RGB Color sensor5:47
In this lecture we're going to play a run with an RGB light sensor. This is the TCS 35725 sensor and is packaged nicely as a breakout from Adafruit. Adafruit has also supplied their really nice, easy to use library that I'll be using in my demonstration later. This light sensor is based on an integrated circuit right in the middle of the breakout. It's got also a very bright, pure, wide any day in order to illuminate the scene.
Wiring the RGB Color sensor12:53
In this lecture I will show you how to wire the RGB color light sensor.
Mini project: copy a color to an RGB LED using an RGB Color sensor10:52
In this lecture, I will demonstrate an interesting experiment that uses the RGB color sensor. I will use it to get a reading of a color from the sensor and then copy essentially that color and display it through my RGB LED.
End of section quiz

Requirements

A Windows, Mac or Linux computer
An Arduino Uno
Electronics parts like resistors, LEDs, sensors, as listed in Section 1 of the course
Essential tools: a mini breadboard, jumper wires, a multimeter, a soldering iron and solder, wire cutter
Be excited about electronics!

Description

Course last updated in December 2024

I have updated Arduino Step by Step Getting Started with an exciting new section on using online Arduino simulators to accelerate your learning and development. These tools allow you to design, test, and debug Arduino projects without physical hardware, saving time and resources. The new lectures introduce two powerful simulation platforms: Wokwi and Tinkercad. They provide detailed examples and hands-on exercises to help you get started.

The new section features a variety of practical examples, including simple LED blink and fade circuits, projects using potentiometers and digital sensors like the DHT22 and HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and more advanced setups incorporating I2C LCDs and servos. Each example is demonstrated in both Wokwi and Tinkercad, allowing you to compare the capabilities of these platforms and choose the one that best fits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a way to prototype your ideas faster, these new lectures make exploring and experimenting with Arduino projects easier than ever.

Course updated in August 2024

I have updated this course with a new section covering the new Arduino Uno R4 Minima. This new Model offers a powerful and cost-effective upgrade over the classic R3. It has a faster processor and more memory, perfect for advanced projects with a compact form factor.

If you are interested in the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, please know that I have updated Arduino Step by Step Getting Serious with a new section that covers that specific board.

You can complete this course using the classic R3 or the new R4 Minima board.

UPDATED: OCTOBER 2022

My flagship course, designed for people new to electronics and programming, has received a comprehensive update!

I have added new lectures in the first half of the course. They are in the sections “Know your Arduino Uno,” “Arduino boards and kits,” and “The Arduino IDE.”

In these lectures, I cover the latest developments in Arduino software and hardware, including the Arduino Web IDE, the upcoming Arduino IDE 2.0, and the modern Arduino MKR and Nano IoT board families.

I have also verified all links to external websites and other resources, like data sheets, and in many cases, we have added new links to external resources.

UPDATED: January 2020

I have updated this course with a new section on using arrays in Arduino sketches. This is a very useful skill, as it allows you to program repetitive tasks with just a few lines of code. Enjoy!

> Is this course current? <

"Getting Started" is absolutely valid and current.

While I first published it in 2017, I have been updating it almost yearly to keep it up to date with developments.

The Arduino Uno R3 is still the best board for people new to MCUs, and all code in the repository works.

I have updated the course with lectures on the R4 for people that need additional capabilities.

I have also added new lectures to cover the latest development environments, programming, libraries, and even Arduino simulators.

This is the most comprehensive Arduino course on Udemy, that is designed to take you from novice to confident Arduino maker.

About this course

This is the original, legendary Arduino course on Udemy by Tech Explorations, which is fanatically supported by Dr. Peter Dalmaris.

Thousands of students trust it, and it contains over 16 hours of content, quizzes, a GitHub code repository, thousands of active student discussions, and countless downloadable and linked resources.

Please don't be confused by other courses with a similar name.

This course is for the new Arduino Maker.

Do you have a passion for learning?

Are you excited about becoming a Maker with the Arduino?

If you answered "yes!" to both, you are ready to start!

In this course, I emphasized the importance of getting the basics right and learning to mastery. As an educator for over 15 years, I know first-hand that hitting a roadblock because you lack the fundamental knowledge to progress can be demotivating.

In Arduino Step by Step Getting Started, I ensure that the more than 19 hours of video content, mini projects, and quizzes cover all the basics so you can enjoy learning about Arduino.

By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of the capabilities of the Arduino Uno, the best Arduino for beginners, and you will be familiar with the capabilities of several of its cousins.

You will be comfortable with the basic prototyping tools and their usage and the basics of the Arduino programming environment, language, and programming.

You can use a variety of components, from simple buttons and LEDs to visible color, ultraviolet light, and other environmental sensors.

In this course, you will learn to use the components I demonstrate. You will also learn to read datasheets, use libraries independently, and create the gadgets you want. With knowledge comes freedom, and I will help you achieve it.

I invite you to review the free lectures in the first section of the course to learn more details about it.

If you are excited about becoming a Maker with the Arduino, join many other Makers and me in Arduino Step by Step Getting Started!

I look forward to learning with you!

Who this course is for:

Students over 10 years of age, or younger with with adult supervision. Young students should be supervised at all times when using a soldering iron.
Students with a little or no prior experience with electronics or programming.

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to the course7 lectures • 50min

Know your Arduino Uno R38 lectures • 1hr 15min

Know your Arduino Uno R4 Minima7 lectures • 38min

Introduction to communications4 lectures • 24min

Arduino boards17 lectures • 1hr 45min

Prototyping basics15 lectures • 2hr 8min

The Arduino IDE9 lectures • 1hr 22min

Arduino programming21 lectures • 3hr 2min

Arduino programming: Arrays6 lectures • 51min

Measuring light and color7 lectures • 1hr 5min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: