Knowledge Base

What is Arduino? How Does it Work, What Can You Do With It? A Detailed Guide and Example Applications

Arduino is an open-source microcontroller platform for those who want to develop electronic projects. Frequently preferred by both students and professional developers, Arduino is one of the most practical ways to enter the world of hardware programming thanks to its ease of use and extensive community support.

What is Arduino?

Arduino is a development board that uses Atmel-based microcontrollers and a software ecosystem that allows these boards to be programmed. The most well-known models are:

• Arduino Uno (most common model)

• Arduino Mega (for projects requiring a large number of pins)

• Arduino Nano (compact size)

• Arduino Leonardo (capable of emulating USB keyboard/mouse)

Arduino boards generally include the following components:

• Digital input/output pins

• Analog input pins

• USB port

• Power inputs (DC jack, Vin)

• Microcontroller (e.g., ATmega328P)

⚙️ How Does Arduino Work?

The Arduino board is programmed via USB from a computer. C++-based codes (Sketch) written using the Arduino IDE are uploaded to the board. These codes process data from the input pins and control devices via the output pins.

For example:

• Turning on an LED when a button is pressed

• Reading temperature data from a sensor

• Motor control

Required Basic Tools

• Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno)

• USB cable

• Arduino IDE (https://www.arduino.cc/en/software)

• Breadboard

• Basic electronic components such as resistors, LEDs, and jumper wires

Example Projects That Can Be Done with Arduino

1. Blinking LED (Blink)

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);
  delay(1000);
}

This code controls the built-in LED on the Arduino to blink every second.

2. Thermometer with Temperature Sensor

• Sensor used: LM35

int sensorPin = A0;
float voltage, temperature;

void loop() {
  int reading = analogRead(sensorPin);
  voltage = reading * 5.0 / 1024.0;
  temperature = voltage * 100;
  Serial.println(temperature);
  delay(1000);
}

3. Angle Control with Servo Motor

#include 
Servo myservo;

void setup() {
  myservo.attach(9);
}

void loop() {
  for (int pos = 0; pos <= 180; pos += 1) {
    myservo.write(pos);
    delay(15);
  }
}

4. Distance Measurement with Ultrasonic Sensor

• HC-SR04 sensor is used

#define trigPin 9
#define echoPin 10
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
}
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  int distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;
  Serial.println(distance);
  delay(500);
}

Advanced Project Examples

Community and Resources

• Official site: arduino.cc

• Forums: Arduino Turkey, Reddit, StackOverflow

• Books: "Programming with Arduino", "Arduino 101", "Arduino in 30 Days"

✅ Conclusion

Arduino is a great platform for entering the world of hardware. It can be used in both hobby projects and professional systems. It offers a wide range of applications from lighting LEDs to robot control. Thanks to its extensive community support, sample codes, and open-source nature, it is easy to learn and powerful to implement.