Getting Started FAQ
I am completely new to electronics. Where do I start?
Get an Arduino Starter Kit or M5Stack Core. Both have large communities and tutorials in your language.
- Choose Your Platform
- Follow the platform guide for your choice
- Do the first example (Blink an LED)
Do I need to know programming?
For Arduino: basic C/C++ helps but is not required — copy-paste examples work. For Raspberry Pi: basic Linux terminal commands help. For M5Stack + UiFlow: drag-and-drop blocks, zero coding.
What is the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi?
Arduino is a microcontroller — runs one program at a time, very low power, no OS. Best for sensors, motors, simple control. Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer — runs Linux, can do AI/ML, web servers, multitasking. Best for complex projects needing an OS.
Which board for my project?
| Project Type | Recommended Board |
|---|---|
| Blink LED / read sensor | Arduino Uno |
| WiFi sensor node | ESP32 |
| AI camera / robot brain | Jetson Orin Nano |
| Home server / media center | Raspberry Pi 5 |
| Wearable / portable | M5StickC or ESP32-C3 |
| Industrial motor control | STM32 |
What tools do I need to buy?
Minimum: USB data cable, breadboard, jumper wires, multimeter (~$20). Good to have: soldering iron, digital caliper, logic analyzer.
See Tools & Software for the full list.