The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is an open-source software application used to program and upload code to Arduino boards. It provides a user-friendly interface for writing, compiling, and uploading code to Arduino boards. The IDE is designed to work with a variety of Arduino boards, including the popular Uno, Mega, and Nano boards, and supports programming in the C++ language.

The Arduino IDE comes with a built-in text editor that allows you to write and edit code, and it also includes a library manager that makes it easy to find and install third-party libraries. Additionally, the IDE includes a serial monitor that allows you to communicate with your Arduino board and monitor its output.

Overall, the Arduino IDE is a powerful tool that enables hobbyists, students, and professionals alike to create a wide range of electronic projects, from simple LED blinking to more complex robotics and automation systems.

You can find additional information on the Arduino IDE page. In the course of the activity, you will download and install the software on your computer.