Simple Arduino LED Blinking Project for Beginners

Project Overview

One of the first and most classic Arduino projects is the blinking LED. It’s perfect for beginners to understand the basics of Arduino programming and electronics. This project demonstrates how to turn an LED on and off at regular intervals.


Components Required

ComponentQuantity
Arduino Uno/Nano1
LED (any color)1
220Ω Resistor1
Breadboard1
Jumper wires3-4
USB cable1

Wiring Diagram

Here’s how to connect your components:

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LED Anode (Long leg) --> 220Ω Resistor --> Arduino Digital Pin 13 LED Cathode (Short leg) --> GND on Arduino

Wiring Diagram Image

This is a standard wiring diagram for an LED connected to Arduino digital pin 13.


Arduino Code

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// LED Blinking Code void setup() { pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set digital pin 13 as output } void loop() { digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second digitalWrite(13, LOW); // Turn the LED off delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second }

How It Works

  • pinMode(13, OUTPUT); tells the Arduino that pin 13 will be used to send output.

  • digitalWrite(13, HIGH); turns the pin on (5V), lighting the LED.

  • delay(1000); pauses the program for 1000 milliseconds (1 second).

  • Then the pin is turned off with LOW, and the delay repeats the cycle.


What You Learn

  • Basic circuit wiring

  • Using a breadboard and jumper wires

  • Uploading code to the Arduino

  • How to use setup() and loop() functions in Arduino


Next Steps

After completing this project, try:

  • Changing the blink speed

  • Adding multiple LEDs

  • Using different digital pins