Arduino

Arduino is a set of ope-source hardware and software used to build interactive electronics projects. Applications for Arduino are typically written in C++ in the Arduino IDE or Arduino Web Editor (recommended over Arduino IDE); however other options for controlling arduinos exist such as with Node-RED.

Components of an Arduino Build

Sensors convert physical phenomena into electrical signals (e.g. humidity, light, proximity)
Effectors convert electrical signals into physical phenomena (e.g. lights, motors, solenoids)
Code processes inputs from sensors and controls the outputs to effectors to create desired behaviors
Wires carry electrical power and signals between components