How to Use the Arduino IDE

This video will show you the basics of the Arduino IDE. You still need to look at the rest of the lesson though!

If you want to create a new file, you’ll need to click on the third button, which looks like a sheet of paper. This will create a sketch, which is what you’ll be writing our code on. It’s your programming workspace!

In every new sketch, make sure you include void setup() and void loop(). They’re the prompts that start your programs, and without them, you won’t be able to run any code on the Arduino IDE.

In addition to the create new sketch button, you will also have your:

• Compile button, which is the check mark icon. It checks that your code is compiled, or set up correctly.
• Upload button, which is the icon with the arrow pointing to the right. It lets you upload your code to your Smart Inventor Board.
• Open button, which is the up arrow with a line underneath. This opens the last sketch that you saved.
• Save button, which is the down arrow with a line underneath. This saves the sketch that you are working on.

The serial monitor button is on the righthand side, and it looks like a magnifying glass. The serial monitor displays the number, or values, that your sensors are reading, and it’s really useful if you don’t have another visual display!

You will use the tools tab every time you need to check that you have the right board and port. Make sure you’re always connected to the “Rokit-Smartinventor-mega32” board with your version and your chosen port!