Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is the official software used to program Arduino microcontrollers, including ESP32. It provides a simple and accessible platform for writing, compiling, and uploading code to microcontrollers using the C/C++-based Arduino programming language. The IDE supports a vast library ecosystem, allowing users to integrate sensors, motors, displays, and wireless communication modules into their projects.

Arduino IDE is widely used for prototyping, interactive installations, robotics, and IoT applications. It offers an intuitive interface, making it suitable for beginners, while also supporting advanced debugging and custom libraries for experienced developers.

By using Arduino IDE, we can program microcontrollers to interact with external sensors, control motors, and connect with software like TouchDesigner and MAX MSP, enabling real-world interactivity in digital projects.