From this tutorial, we will learn how to install Arduino app on Windows and configure it to be able to use to flash ESP-01.
To download the application, please go to this website:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
Download the zip file of Arduino and extract the zip file.
Open the Arduino application. Click File >> Preferences
On Additional Boards Manager URLs, paste this link and click Ok:
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
Let’s add board by clicking Tools >> Board >> Boards Manager
Type esp8266 and click install
Prepare ESP-01 for flashing
We need a serial module board and an ESP. My ESP looks like this:
To program this, we need a jumper between GND and IO0. This jumper will enable programming mode.
This is my Serial Board Module
I have soldered pins behind the board so I could easily add jumper wire behind it. I already placed a jumper wire between GND and IO0.
Finally, now that the ESP is inserted on the serial board and has jumper wire on GND and IO0, then we are ready to flash.
Programming ESP-01 with Blink
Open Arduino app, click File >> Examples >> 01. Basics >> Blink
It will load Blink sample code. This code will make your ESP to blink the led every 1000 milliseconds.
From the menu, please click Tools and look at Port. You may not see any port number. Insert the Serial board in your computer usb and come back on Tools >> Port. You may see port number. Please click that.
Again on the menu, click Tools >> Board >> ESP8266 Board >> click Generic ESP8266 Module
To flash the code, please click from the menu, Sketch >> Upload
If no error and it is successful, remove the serial board from the computer and remove the the jumper wire. Insert the serial board again on your computer.
You should see your ESP-01 blinking.