How to set up Arduino IDE for ESP8266: Step by Step Guide.

Configure Arduino IDE for ESP8266

Image by manseok Kim from Pixabay

ESP8266 community creates an ESP8266 core for Arduino, let ESP8266 take advantage of the Arduino environment. It allows the maker to use existing Arduino libraries and functions run on the ESP8266 without other microcontrollers, which means the maker can code using the Arduino IDE and utilize ESP8266’s features.

Before Started:

Latest Arduino IDE must install on your computer. If you haven’t installed or on the older one, you can download the Arduino IDE on the official website.

Let’s Begin:

I’m using macOS, so all my demonstrations will be in this operating system.

1. Open the Arduino IDE.
2. Go to Arduino > Preferences.
3. Copy this URL
   “http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json".
4. Paste into the Additional Boards Manager URLs column.
5. Click the “OK” button.
6. Go to Tools > Broad > Boards Manager.
7. Type “esp8266” in the search column.
8. Once the search result return, select the first “esp8266” result and click the “Install” button.