Prerequisites for Arduino Development

To create our first project, we first need to set up the Arduino IDE and the Simuli Virtual Lab platform. The Arduino IDE offers a complete solution for developing projects based on different microcontroller boards. It has a code editor for writing programs (Sketches, in Arduino terminology), and it offers a one-click solution for compiling and uploading our sketches to the microcontrollers. We can also install and use a plethora of libraries for different use cases.

Installing Arduino IDE

First, we need to download the installer for Arduino IDE; to do this navigate to the Software page on the Arduino website. Here, we will find installers for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. The installation procedure varies a little for each platform - in this guide, we will focus on getting the Arduino IDE set up for Windows, if you have a Mac, you can follow this guide and for Linux, the instructions are here.

Once you go to the Software page, you can click on the Windows Win 7 and newerto download the Installer.

The next page that opens up gives an option for donating to the Arduino IDE team. Here, you can either choose to donate any amount or click on Just Download and the installer will start downloading.

Now we can click on the installer to start the installation procedure. First, we need to Agreeto the Licence Agreement, then we will choose the components that the installer will install. Select Install USB driver and Associate .ino files. The USB drivers are required for your Arduino boards to communicate with your computer. Here, you can also select whether you want to have a desktop and start menu shortcuts or not. Click on Nextonce the selection is complete.

The next screen is for selecting the installation folder, by default, the installer will use the "Program Files" folder in your C drive, but this can be changed according to your liking. Once the path is selected, click on Next and the installation will get started. Wait for a minute and you will have successfully installed Arduino IDE on your device.

Setting up the Arduino Environment on Simuli Virtual Lab

First, log in to your Simuli account and navigate to the Simuli Virtual Lab. Here we will create a new emulated instance of the Arduino Uno. Click on the Launch button under the Arduino to get started.

Let's name this project "blink". Now click on Next Step and select the SHT2X Temperature Sensor. Click on Next Step again, this will bring you to the review screen. Check the name of the project and if the correct sensors were chosen and click on Launch.

Once we have clicked on the Launch button, a new emulated instance of the Arduino Uno will be created. It can take a few minutes, so be patient.

Now that we have completed setting up both Arduino IDE and the Arduino Environment in Simuli Virtual Lab, we are now ready to start working on our project.