You've heard of the Arduino microcontroller board… maybe you haven't. But if you have, you may not know exactly what it's for.

Like the Raspberry Pi, Arduino can help you understand programming, but this device has more of a focus on electronics. It's straightforward to use and simple to learn. Wondering if learning Arduino is useful? Here are five reasons why you should start learning Arduino today.

Is Arduino Hard to Learn?

Programming, electronics, doing cool stuff with code and components; that's basically what you can expect from using an Arduino.

As with learning all new things, there is a moment of reorientation required for using Arduino. But ultimately, it's not difficult to get to grips with. Consider if you can complete the following basic tasks:

  • Connect cables?
  • Plug in components?
  • Use a keyboard?

If the answer to all three is "yes" then you should be able to learn Arduino. These are all practices that most people can achieve---and most people should be able to learn Arduino.

If you don't already own an Arduino, it's worth grabbing the Arduino UNO starter kit.

Why Learn Arduino?

So, you know that Arduino is easy to use. But why should you spend time learning how to use this microcontroller board? Well, it's incredibly flexible. With an Arduino, you can do everything from control a robot to manage a home automation project---and plenty besides.

The key benefits of learning Arduino are:

  • You can build awesome projects
  • Arduino is great for programming
  • You can learn electronics easily
  • It's a cheap hobby to start
  • Arduino might suit you better than a Raspberry Pi

Let's take a deeper look at why we should all be using Arduino.

1. Arduino Is the Basis for Amazing Projects

The main reason to get an Arduino is that you can make stuff with it. If you consider yourself a tinkerer, then you'll feel right at home.

What can you make, though? Anything and everything, from silly and stupid to serious and practical. Your only limit is your imagination.

Arduino can be used for the following project ideas:

  • Controlling Philips Hue lights
  • Building robots (see the video above)
  • Home automation projects (lights, garage doors, even watering plants)
  • Controlling video games
  • Musical projects (including connecting organic elements)
  • Alarm systems

This is only a small taste of what you can do with an Arduino.

Just starting out with Arduino? Start with one of these easy Arduino projects for beginners.

But what if you don't like to make things? Don't worry, there are plenty more reasons to learn Arduino.

2. Arduino: A Great Intro to Programming

Traditionally, the learning curve for programming has been rather steep. Not only is the syntax foreign, but it can take a while for the logic of programming to click. For many people it's a frustrating experience.

The good news is that Arduino code is forgiving. There is still a learning curve, but it's definitely easier than trying to code your first mobile app or game.

Programming on Arduino is possible with any language, but it's best to start with the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment). You'll find versions of this available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms. The IDE supports C and C++, and includes libraries for various hardware components, such as LEDs and switches. Once a program---known as a "sketch"---is completed, it is uploaded to the Arduino board via a USB cable. Here it can be run and will remain in memory until it is replace.

Of course, programing for Arduino is not perfect. For one, the forgiving nature of Arduino code means that it's easy to write sloppy code and develop bad habits. You could easily end up not understanding what that code really means.

Arduino programming is also relatively basic, so you probably won't learn advanced coding techniques with it.

But if you're looking for a way to grasp the absolute basics of programming, Arduino is great.

If the idea of coding scares you, there are other Arduino-compatible languages you can learn besides the official one. For example, Scratch 4 Arduino is a visual alternative that's easier to understand for newbies. You'll learn the concepts of coding without worrying about syntax.

After you've played around with Arduino code a bit, you might realize that you really enjoy it.

3. It's Easy to Learn Electronics With Arduino

When I first got my Arduino, I had no working knowledge of electronics or circuits. I'd forgotten everything I learned back in school and felt out of my depth playing with the tiny microcontroller.

But I quickly learned that it doesn't have to be that complicated. You'll need to learn the fundamentals of circuits if you want to understand what you're doing. But where can you learn about electronics for Arduino?

We'd recommend starting with YouTube, where you can find hundreds of Arduino-related videos.

As you play around with an Arduino, you'll pick up new electronics skills depending on the projects you pursue. If you've never handled wires, breadboards, or soldering guns before, then this is a safe and fun way to learn.

Not only that, but you'll get to play around with a lot of cool electronic components, too. Most Arduino starter kits come with LEDs, resistors, capacitors, accelerometers, motors, buttons, displays, and more. You'll feel like a kid playing with Lego pieces all over again.

But most of all, as you build confidence with circuits and components, you'll likely unlock a creative-tinkerer side of you that you never knew existed. It's a wonderful way to express hands-on creativity.

4. Arduino Is a Cheap, Useful Hobby

One of the biggest points in favor of Arduino is how easy it is to get started. Some hobbies cost hundreds of dollars to get started. Think painting, woodworking, or photography where you can easily break the bank just to buy the necessary equipment and supplies to get started.

Conversely, a good Arduino starter kit will cost under $100.

It gets better. If you're willing to buy components from China and wait several weeks for delivery, you can get them for under $10.

Even your Arduino board can be bought cheaply if you buy a clone. As the Arduino hardware design is open source you can get legal "knockoff" Arduinos for under $3 each.

At such cheap prices, you can make as many projects as you want without having to worry that you'll bankrupt yourself.

5. Join Team Arduino vs Raspberry Pi

Because the Arduino and Raspberry Pi came along at around the same time, may people think they're the same. In truth, while there is some crossover, these two boards are different.

Arduino is a microcontroller board, whereas the Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer. The Arduino must be programmed from another device, whereas a Raspberry Pi can run an operating system. You could program an Arduino with a Raspberry Pi, but not vice versa.

These differences have led to some division in communities. Which is best: Arduino, or Raspberry Pi?

To find out, you'll need to try them both out. But you'll probably find that if you've an innate interest in electronics and project building, the Arduino edges it.

How to Get Started With Arduino

By now you should understand why learning Arduino is a good idea. From an easy coding language and simple integration with other components to an affordable hobby that is more versatile than using a Raspberry Pi, the benefits of learning how to use Arduino are clear.

If you're ready, now is the time to read our Arduino beginners guide.