esp32

my go-to microcontroller for wifi projects. much more powerful than arduino but still easy to program.

why esp32

• dual core, fast enough for real applications
• built-in wifi and bluetooth
• tons of GPIO pins
• arduino IDE support makes it familiar
• cheap, like $3 for a dev board

my typical setup

i usually grab the ESP32-DevKitC or similar. has usb-c, good pin layout, onboard led.

programming through arduino IDE or platformio. prefer platformio for bigger projects.

common patterns i use

• web server for device control
• mqtt for home automation
• deep sleep for battery projects
• capacitive touch instead of buttons

libraries i always reach for

• WiFi.h for connectivity
• WebServer.h for simple web interfaces
• PubSubClient for mqtt
• Preferences for storing settings

gotchas i learned

• gpio 0, 2, 15 have bootstrap issues
• adc2 pins don't work with wifi active
• brownout detector can cause random resets
• flash button is gpio 0, useful for input

project ideas

• weather station that posts to web
• smart switches for lights
• sensor nodes around the house
• camera projects with esp32-cam

esp32 hits the sweet spot between power and simplicity. way more capable than arduino, not as complex as raspberry pi.