Arduino is a simple computer which is used by building electronic circuits with different kinds of hardware, and then controlling this setup by writing code in the Arduino software. Have a look at the different descriptions below, and browse through the links to learn everything you need to know in order to make your first installation with Arduino!
Arduino Uno v3 is the most common version of the board.
getting started
To get started, download the Arduino software and have a look at the introduction page to learn about the basics of coding in Arduino.
Interactive installations consists partially of inputs, which are sensors and other hardware which register a certain data (could be a touch from the user, a loud sound, a certain temperature, etc.).
If inputs are the "action", then outputs are the "reaction" to the data from the input; so some sort of expression (could be light, sound, movement, etc.) which appears when the input is received.
When creating your physical setup, it is important to know about circuits, as you are working with electronics. Read more about it on the circuits page.
When building your installation, you will need some tools. This page gives an overview of need-to-have and good-to-have tools, especially for bigger setups.
If you want to simulate your circuit or installation online before building it, you are in luck, because there are programmes made for excactly that. Have a look at this page to learn more about Tinkercad and what it can do.
On Arduinos own website you can find a lot of information, guides and tutotials on how to build and code. They also have a reference-page, where you can search for pretty much any function and learn how it works. Have a look here:
Or - click here to see books, websites and other learning materials which can help you learn even more about the technical aspects and many creative possibilities when using Arduino.