> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/wokwi/wokwi-docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get started with Wokwi in minutes - create your first electronics simulation

Wokwi is an online electronics simulator that runs directly in your browser. No installation required - you can start simulating Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico, and other microcontrollers in seconds.

<Note>
  Wokwi is free for personal use. Check our [pricing page](https://wokwi.com/pricing) for commercial and professional plans.
</Note>

## Your First Simulation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a starter project">
    Visit one of these example projects to see Wokwi in action:

    * [Arduino Uno "Hello World"](https://wokwi.com/projects/322062421191557714)
    * [Blink an LED on ESP32](https://wokwi.com/projects/305566932847821378)
    * [7 Segment Counter with MicroPython on Pi Pico](https://wokwi.com/projects/300210834979684872)

    Click any link to open a fully functional simulation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the simulation">
    Click the **green Play button** at the top of the page to start the simulation. You'll see the microcontroller come to life and the components respond in real-time.

    <Tip>
      The simulation runs entirely in your browser - no server-side processing required!
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify the code">
    Click on the code editor on the left side of the screen. Try making a simple change:

    * For the LED blink example, change the delay value to make it blink faster or slower
    * Edit the code and see your changes reflected immediately

    ```cpp theme={null}
    // Change this:
    delay(1000);
    // To this:
    delay(200);
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run your changes">
    After editing the code, click the **Play button** again to restart the simulation with your changes. The simulator will recompile and run your updated code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add or modify components">
    Click on the **diagram** (circuit view) to select and modify components:

    * Click the **blue Plus button** to add new parts
    * Drag components to reposition them
    * Click on wires to delete or reroute connections
    * Click on components to view and change their properties
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save your project">
    To save your work:

    1. Click **Save** in the top menu
    2. Sign in to Wokwi (optional but recommended)
    3. Your project will be saved with a unique URL

    <Warning>
      Without signing in, projects are saved to your browser's local storage. Sign in to access your projects from any device.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Makes Wokwi Special

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Start Instantly" icon="bolt">
    No waiting for components or downloading software. Your browser has everything you need to start coding your IoT project in seconds.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mistakes Are Okay" icon="shield-check">
    You can't destroy virtual hardware. Experiment freely without worrying about frying expensive components. Unlike real hardware, you can always undo.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Easy Sharing" icon="share-nodes">
    Share a link to your Wokwi project - that's all you need to get help or show off your work.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unlimited Hardware" icon="microchip">
    Use as many parts as you need without worrying about cost or availability. No need to scavenge parts from old projects.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Powerful Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="WiFi Simulation">
    Connect your simulated ESP32 project to the real internet. Use MQTT, HTTP, NTP, and other network protocols.

    [Learn more about ESP32 WiFi →](/guides/esp32-wifi)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Virtual Logic Analyzer">
    Capture and analyze digital signals (UART, I2C, SPI) directly in your simulation.

    [Learn more about the Logic Analyzer →](/guides/logic-analyzer)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Advanced Debugging with GDB">
    Use GDB for powerful Arduino and Raspberry Pi Pico debugging.

    [Learn more about GDB debugging →](/guides/gdb-debugging)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="SD Card Simulation">
    Store and retrieve files from your code. Paid plans can upload binary files like images.

    [Learn more about SD cards →](/parts/wokwi-microsd-card)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="VS Code Integration">
    Simulate your embedded projects directly from Visual Studio Code.

    [Learn more about VS Code integration →](/vscode/getting-started)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Custom Chips API">
    Create your own custom chips and parts, and share them with the community.

    [Learn more about the Chips API →](/chips-api/getting-started)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Explore Supported Hardware" icon="microchip" href="/supported-hardware">
    See the full list of microcontrollers, sensors, and components you can simulate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join the Community" icon="discord" href="https://wokwi.com/discord">
    Get help, share projects, and connect with other makers in the Wokwi Discord community
  </Card>

  <Card title="Browse Example Projects" icon="folder-open" href="https://wokwi.com/projects">
    Explore thousands of community projects for inspiration and learning
  </Card>

  <Card title="Read the FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/faq">
    Find answers to common questions about Wokwi
  </Card>
</CardGroup>