Arduino - An Introduction

What is Arduino ?

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online. You can tell your board what to do by sending a set of instructions to the micro-controller on the board. To do so you use the Arduino programming language(based on Wiring), and the Arduino Software (IDE), based on  Processing.

Over the years Arduinos have developed a lot and have been the brain to vast number projects from everyday objects to complex scientific tools.A worldwide community of makers - students, hobbyists, artists, programmers, and professionals - has gathered around this open-source platform, their contributions have added up to an incredible amount of accessible knowledge that can be of great help to novices and experts alike.

So, now the question that has always intrigued everyone, "Were there similar boards prior to Arduino?" 

After a lot of Googling, I found the answer to this question. Arduino is not a board but the complete platform build around the typically ATMEL series micro controllers found on the Arduino boards. Arduino is complete set including the microcontroller board, the development boards(crystals, leds etc) and the software used to program the mcu. Arduinos popped around 2005, but prior to these other easer-than-bare-chip systems existed. Two examples:

• The Parallax Basic Stamp was around in 1990s
• The PICAXE, the PIC "alternative" to Arduino seems to be traceable to around 2000

So the first answer is "other Arduino-like systems were around before Arduino". The PICAXE, for instance is programmed over the serial port, in a manner similar to Arduino (which is programmed over the USB, usually).

Before that there were bare chips like AVRs and PICs, and hobbyists had to build the supporting circuitry (like LEDs, crystals, etc) themselves, circuitry that is built into the Arduino.

The Flash-based chips can be programmed in a manner similar to programming the Arduino without the boot-loader: over the serial/USB connection. This requires dedicated programming hardware, which you can build at home.

Prior to Flash-based microcontrollers there existed other types of EEPROM and EPROM programmable chips. The programmers for this type of digital logic were bulkier and generally not something hobbyists built for themselves. 

Alot being spoken about Arduino, the next question is "Why to use Arduino ?"

Its simple and accessible user experience,The Arduino software is easy-to-use for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced users. It runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Teachers and students use it to build low cost scientific instruments, to prove chemistry and physics principles, or to get started with programming and robotics. Designers and architects build interactive prototypes, musicians and artists use it for installations and to experiment with new musical instruments.Arduino also simplifies the process of working with microcontrollers, but it offers some advantage for teachers, students, and interested amateurs over other systems:

• Inexpensive - Arduino boards are relatively inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms.
• Cross-platform - The Arduino Software (IDE) runs on Windows, Macintosh OSX, and Linux operating systems. Most microcontroller systems are limited to Windows.
• Simple, clear programming environment - The Arduino Software (IDE) is easy-to-use for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced users to take advantage of as well.
• Open Source and Extensive environment and Software

To understand more how an Arduino works, watch this space other blogs.