Introduction to Arduino

Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. For more information about Arduino follow this link https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction 

Sample codes and helpful instructions are readily available. Arduino programming terms are explained at this link: http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/HomePage

The Arduino Software IDE (Integrated development environment) allows humans to interact with the Arduino microcontroller, using English language words and special operators, functions and words.

In a nutshell, programmers type commands into the Arduino Software IDE and this code is interpreted and uploaded to a connected Arduino board. The Arduino microcontroller then interprets the set of instructions uploaded in order to "look" for inputs and "send signals" out for outputs.