top of page
Search

Getting Started with the ESP32: What You Need to Know Moving From Arduino to ESP32

  • Writer: Cartell Automotive
    Cartell Automotive
  • Jul 4
  • 2 min read
If you’ve worked with Arduino before and found yourself wishing for more power, wireless connectivity, or extra pins, it might be time to meet the ESP32, a microcontroller that has become a go-to for DIY electronics and IoT enthusiasts alike.
ESP32 Pinout

The ESP32, developed by Espressif Systems, is a powerful, low-cost microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, dual-core processing, and a wide variety of peripherals. It’s a favorite for everything from simple LED projects to complex IoT systems and home automation.



 Pros of the ESP32

  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Classic + BLE)

  • Dual-core processor: Much faster than most Arduino boards

  • More GPIO pins with touch sensing, PWM, I2C, SPI, ADC, DAC, etc.

  • Large memory: Typically 520KB SRAM and up to 4MB flash

  • Low power modes for battery-operated projects

  • Cheap and widely available


 Cons of the ESP32

  • 3.3V logic (not 5V tolerant like Arduino Uno/Nano)

  • More complex peripheral configuration

  • Wi-Fi startup current spike can be problematic for some power setups

  • Pin mappings vary by board, which can be confusing

  • Some libraries (especially older Arduino ones) may not be compatible



Moving from Arduino to ESP32: Is It Easy?

Yes, relatively easy, especially if you’re already using the Arduino IDE.


What's Familiar?

  • You can write code using the same Arduino language (C/C++)

  • You can use the Arduino IDE or switch to PlatformIO for more advanced workflows

  • Many functions (digitalWrite(), analogRead(), delay()) work exactly the same


 What's Different?

  • ESP32 has multiple cores, so multitasking is possible

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth setup requires additional libraries and configuration

  • Some pin numbers and peripheral features differ by board (NodeMCU-32S vs WROOM vs WROVER)


Cool Projects You Can Do with the ESP32

  • Wi-Fi-enabled temperature logger (post to web or Google Sheets)

  • ESP32-CAM project (remote camera, motion detection)

  • Bluetooth remote control for LEDs, servos, relays

  • MQTT Smart Home devices (control lights, fans, or sensors)

  • TFT or OLED displays for dashboards or status screens

  • Low-power data loggers using deep sleep mode and wake on sensor input



How Do You Program the ESP32?

Option 1: Arduino IDE

Install the ESP32 board support package from Espressif, and you're ready to upload just like any other Arduino.


Option 2: PlatformIO

A more professional environment for embedded development. Better for handling larger projects or integrating with VS Code.


Option 3: ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework)

This is Espressif’s native SDK. It’s more powerful, but has a steeper learning curve. Recommended for serious projects or production development.



Final Thoughts

If you are moving from the Arduino to the ESP32, The ESP32 strikes a sweet balance between power, features, and price. If you’ve outgrown the Arduino Uno or want to experiment with connected devices, it’s absolutely worth exploring.

It may take a few tries to get used to the extras (like Wi-Fi libraries or working with 3.3V logic), but once you’re comfortable, you’ll find yourself reaching for the ESP32 more often than not.



bottom of page