Cut to action steps: Install Arduino IDE Install board support packages to compile for ESP8266 http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json How and where to do it! first add that URL in the additional board managers URL now goto the board manager and look for ESP8266 and install the package compile your first program, don’t upload yet To upload, if you have NodeMCU, Arduino takes care of turning the boot-loader mode. if any other, then better to put it yourself into boot-loader mode. Enjoy ESP8266 development!