In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to program your NodeMCU or ESP8266 using an Arduino IDE. NodeMCU board is not available by default.

The NodeMCU ESP8266 is a low-cost WiFi module built by Espressif Systems. Its popularity has been growing among the hardware community thanks to its nice features and stability, to the point that it can be easily programmed using your Arduino IDE.

Requirements

1. Arduino IDE version 1.7 or higher
2. Active Internet connection
3. NodeMCU or ESP8266 board (for testing only)

Step 1: Adding ESP8266 URL to Arduino IDE Board Manger

1. Make sure you are using Arduino IDE version 1.7 or higher.
2. Add additional URL for board manager. Go to File >> Preferences and paste below url in Additional Board Manager URLs.                                                               http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json

Note: Sometimes pakage_esp8266com_index.json link is down due to heavy download try again after few hours.

Step 2: Open Board Manager

1. Go to Tools >> Boards >> Board Manager

Step 3: Search and Installing Node MCU (ESP8266) in Arduino IDE

1. Type “ESP8266” in search box.
2. Select ESP8266 Community. (If internet is not available then you will not find ESP8266)
3. Click on Install Button. Download progress starts. wait for finish.

Step 4: Verify installation of ESP8266

1. Go to Tools>>Boards>> select NodeMCU (If you don’t find NodeMCU, check your installation is ok)
2. Select proper Com port
3. Upload blink example and check is it working. on board LED uses GPIO2

Additional Resources

1. Installing ESP32 in Arduino IDE
2. Getting Started with ESP8266
3. ESP8266 IOs
4. NodeMCU Pin Numbers and Confusions (Must read)