If you're looking to get down and dirty with microcontrollers, then you'll most likely be using them as a standalone chip, rather than within a platform such as Arduino. To do this, you'll need a programmer, which allows you to program your chips over a USB connection to your computer.

AVR

If you've used Arduino, then you've probably used an AVR chip.The Atmega line of AVR chips is the most popular and easy to use microcontroller series available.

  1. USBasp USBISP 3.3V/5V AVR Programmer
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    SKU: 018-USB-AVR-ISP Brand: Core Electronics
    This handy little programmer is well known by hobbyists and seasoned AVR coders alike. The drivers are compatible with 32 and 64bit operating systems.
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    9 from local stock, 1 supplier stock; your order will dispatch between Dec 1 to Dec 10. And yes, stock levels and lead times are accurate!

    Delivered by Mar 21st
  2. Pololu USB AVR Programmer v2.1
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    SKU: POLOLU-3172 Brand: Pololu
    A USB In-system programmer, suitable for AVR controllers and AVR based boards. Can be used for general purpose serial communication, debugging or programming microcontrollers
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    6 from local stock, 1 supplier stock; your order will dispatch between Dec 1 to Dec 10. And yes, stock levels and lead times are accurate!

    Delivered by Mar 21st
  3. Pocket AVR Programmer
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    SKU: PGM-09825 Brand: Sparkfun
    This new version uses an SMD 5x2 header. This is a simple to use USB AVR programmer. It is low cost, easy to use, works great with AVRDude, and is tested extensively on a Windows desktop. Based on Dick Streefland’s USBtiny and Limor Fried’s USBtinyISP. This is a low-cost programmer designed for those on a tight budget.
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    0 from local stock, 1 supplier stock; your order will dispatch between Dec 1 to Dec 10. And yes, stock levels and lead times are accurate!

    Available with 5 to 8 day lead time

Other

For more complex projects, what you need is a good debugger. These allow you to step through your code line-by-line, add breaks, and access the heart of your chip.

  1. ST-Link STM8/STM32 v2 Compatible Programmer & Emulator
    Rating:
    83% of 100
    SKU: ADA2548 Brand: Adafruit
    Explore new microcontroller worlds with an ST-Link Programmer & Emulator / Debugging dongle. This little USB stick contains a microcontroller with the code for ST's...
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    10 from local stock, 1 supplier stock; your order will dispatch between Dec 1 to Dec 10. And yes, stock levels and lead times are accurate!

    Delivered by Mar 21st

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