Hobbyist -> Tinkerer -> maker
Want to get started using this Arduino thing you’ve heard so much about? All you really need to get started, beside a computer, is:
- Genuine Arduino board, preferably Arduino Uno
- USB cable
- breadboard
- LEDs with resistors
- jumper wire.
The truth is you cannot fully enjoy your Arduino journey unless you have some modicum of programming skills. The Arduino IDE comes with many example sketches. If you’ve never programmed before, work through all of them beginning with the one named Blink.Try to understand how each example works and make variations to learn how to program for yourself.
You are now a hobbyist.
Follow your interests and buy sensors, motors and whatever else you need to create projects that interest you. If you would like a more structured approach I recommend building the projects in Making Things Talk by Tom Igoe. I spent many joyous hours with that tome. There is also a second edition, which I’m sure is of equal quality.
Somewhere along the line you’ll want to expand your supplies to include simple tools. The two tools that spend the most time in my hand when building projects are my wire cutters and wire strippers, so don’t skimp on those. Wire cutters and strippers are no good without wire, get some spools of AWG 22 solid core hookup wire in assorted colors An iconic helping hands tool with a magnifier will also prove useful.
You are now a tinkerer.
The next step in your evolution is to build your own circuits and make your projects more permanent than they are on a breadboard. Nothing says permanent like solder, so you’ll have to obtain a soldering iron. Get a good one and it will last for years and years.
If you have not acquired one yet, you’ll also find a digital multimeter indispensable. As with the soldering iron, you will want to get a good quality one, you’ll be depending on it for accurate readings.
You are now a maker.