The AVR8js Simulator: Arduino Without Hardware

Learning Arduino programming shouldn’t require everyone to have physical hardware. The AVR8js Simulator Module brings Arduino development directly to your browser, letting students write, test, and debug code with virtual components before ever touching real hardware.

The AVR8js Simulator Module is a full Arduino emulator that runs in your browser. It simulates the actual microcontroller chip (AVR8), so your code behaves exactly as it would on real hardware. Students can see LEDs light up, buttons respond, and components interact - all in a safe, virtual environment.

Think of it as a risk-free Arduino playground where mistakes don’t damage hardware and everyone can experiment freely.

Physical Arduino boards are great, but they come with challenges in educational settings:

The AVR8js Simulator eliminates these challenges while preserving the learning experience.

Students write code in the Editor Module, click execute, and immediately see results in the simulator. LEDs blink, timing works perfectly, and pin states update in real-time. There’s no upload process, no driver installation, no USB connection troubleshooting.

This instant feedback loop accelerates learning:

The simulator supports various Arduino components through Wokwi web components:

These virtual components behave like their physical counterparts, teaching the same concepts and programming patterns students will use with real hardware.

The AVR8js Simulator enables a natural learning path:

Students who learn with simulation first often transition to real hardware more smoothly because they’ve already worked through the conceptual challenges.

When combined with other Edrys modules, the AVR8js Simulator creates a complete Arduino learning environment:

Students get theory, practice, and real-world connection all in one place.

Add Arduino simulation to your Edrys-Lite lab with this URL:

https://edrys-labs.github.io/module-avr8js/index.html

Configure virtual components based on your lesson - from simple LED circuits to complex multi-component systems. The module listens for code from the Editor Module and automatically runs it in the simulator.

The AVR8js Simulator doesn’t replace physical Arduino boards - it complements them. Use simulation for:

When students do move to physical hardware, they’ll arrive with working code and solid understanding.

The AVR8js Simulator Module is open source and ready to democratize Arduino education.

Explore the module on GitHub: edrys-labs/module-avr8js

Ready to teach Arduino without hardware barriers? Add the AVR8js simulator and let every student code microcontrollers!