Getting Started with ESP32 Arduino

Table of Contents

Learn how to set up the ESP32 Arduino Core development environment, including Arduino IDE installation and ESP32 board package setup using both the Board Manager and manual Git installation methods.

The ESP32 Arduino Core is a powerful development platform that brings the simplicity and accessibility of Arduino programming to Espressif’s ESP32 series of microcontrollers. This integration allows developers to leverage the familiar Arduino environment while taking advantage of the ESP32’s advanced features, including dual-core processing, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and extensive peripheral support.

What is the ESP32 Arduino Core?
#

The ESP32 Arduino Core is an open-source project developed by Espressif Systems that provides Arduino-compatible libraries and tools for programming ESP32 microcontrollers. It extends the Arduino platform to support the ESP32’s unique capabilities while maintaining compatibility with the vast ecosystem of Arduino libraries and sketches.

Key Features and Capabilities
#

The ESP32 Arduino Core provides comprehensive support for all Espressif mass-production SoCs and unlocks their powerful features:

Multi-SoC Support: Compatible with all Espressif mass-production SoCs including ESP32, ESP32-S2, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, ESP32-C6, ESP32-H2, ESP32-P4 (as of the time of writing, with new SoCs being added regularly)
Built-in Connectivity Libraries: Native support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Ethernet, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee and Matter protocols
Comprehensive Peripheral Support: Extensive GPIO pins, ADC, DAC, I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, LEDC, Touch sensors, and many more peripherals
Built-in Libraries: Rich ecosystem of pre-built libraries including WebServer, HTTP client, OTA updates, file system support, and more
Real-Time Operating System: FreeRTOS-based multitasking capabilities for complex applications
Arduino Compatibility: Seamless integration with existing Arduino libraries and code while adding ESP32-specific functionality

Why Choose ESP32 Arduino Core?
#

The ESP32 Arduino Core is particularly beneficial for:

Rapid Prototyping: Familiar Arduino syntax and extensive library support
Educational Purposes: Easy learning curve for beginners
Professional Development: Powerful enough for complex applications while maintaining simplicity
Huge Amount of Examples: Extensive collection of example code covering all features and use cases
Community Support: Large community and extensive documentation

Prerequisites
#

Before setting up the ESP32 Arduino Core, ensure you have:

A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
Arduino IDE installed (version 2.x recommended)
Any ESP32 development board
A USB cable to connect your ESP32 to your computer

Installation Methods
#

There are two primary ways to install the ESP32 Arduino Core:

Instalation via Arduino IDE Board Manager (Recommended for beginners)
Manual Installation using Git (Advanced users and developers)

We’ll cover both methods in detail.

Method 1: Installation via Arduino IDE Board Manager
#

This is the recommended method for most users as it’s straightforward and handles all dependencies automatically.

Step 1: Add ESP32 Board Manager URL
#

In Arduino IDE, open Preferences:
- Navigate to File > Preferences (Windows/Linux) or Arduino > Preferences (macOS)
Add Board Manager URL:
- In the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field, add one of the following URLs:
Stable Release (Recommended for most users):
```
https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json
```
Development Release (Latest features, pre-release versions):
```
https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_dev_index.json
```
For users in China (Mirror with better download speeds):
```
  https://jihulab.com/esp-mirror/espressif/arduino-esp32/-/raw/gh-pages/package_esp32_index_cn.json
```
```
  https://jihulab.com/esp-mirror/espressif/arduino-esp32/-/raw/gh-pages/package_esp32_dev_index_cn.json
```
- If you have other URLs already, add this one on a new line
- Click “OK” to save the settings

Step 2: Install ESP32 Board Package
#

Open Boards Manager:
- Navigate to Tools > Board > Boards Manager… or click on Boards manager icon in sidebar
- In the search bar, type “esp32”
- Look for “esp32 by Espressif Systems” in the results
- Click the “Install” button
- Wait for the installation to complete (this may take several minutes)

Method 2: Manual Installation using Git
#

This method is recommended for advanced users who want more control over the installation or need to work with specific versions of the ESP32 Arduino Core.

Prerequisites for Git Installation
#

Git installed on your system
Python 3.x installed

Clone ESP32 Arduino Core Repository and Install Tools and Dependencies
#

The following asciinema recording demonstrates the complete manual installation process:

What the recording shows:

Navigate to Arduino Directory:
```
cd Documents/Arduino
```

Create Hardware Directory Structure:

mkdir -p hardware/espressif
cd hardware/espressif

Clone the Repository:

git clone https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32.git esp32

Navigate to Tools Directory:
```
cd esp32/tools
```
Run Installation Script:
```
python get.py
```

Platform Notes:

Windows: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell instead of terminal
Linux/macOS: The commands shown work directly in terminal
Alternative for Windows: If Python is not available, you can run get.exe directly instead of python get.py

Run your first sketch
#

To ensure everything is working correctly, let’s create a simple test sketch:

Open Arduino IDE
Select Board: Go to Tools > Board > ESP32 Arduino > ESP32 Dev Module
Select Port: Choose the correct COM port for your ESP32
Create New Sketch: Go to File > New

Paste Test Code:

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Hello from ESP32 Arduino!");
  delay(1000);
}

Upload the Sketch: Click the upload button (arrow icon)
Open Serial Monitor: Go to Tools > Serial Monitor and set baud rate to 115200

If you see “Hello from ESP32 Arduino!” appearing every second in the Serial Monitor, your ESP32 Arduino Core installation is successful!

Next Steps
#

Now that you have the ESP32 Arduino Core installed, you can:

Explore the ESP32 Arduino Core documentation
Try out the ESP32 examples included with the installation. These examples can be easily accessed in the Arduino IDE by going to File > Examples and selecting one of the ESP32 example sketches.
Start building your first IoT project with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities

The ESP32 Arduino Core opens up a world of possibilities for embedded development, combining the simplicity of Arduino with the power and connectivity features of the ESP32. Happy coding!