Starting with a Kit

• There are two paths to choose from when starting out with electronics: acquiring the components and tools necessary individually, or purchasing a single kit with everything necessary included. Kits are the best bet for a complete beginner. Trying to go the individual route yourself may end up costing more than a kit, as you'll likely end up buying components you don't need, or in a larger quantity than you need. Further, most kits come with extensive instructional guides that teach the basics in a sequential, logical manner.
  
  The two basic types of kit to choose are Snap Circuits" and spring connection project lab. Snap Circuit kits are geared more toward age 10 and younger, and are somewhat limited in capability. Spring connection labs offer far more capability. They come in several sizes, with increasing complexity and capability. Even if you continue in electronics to an advanced level, the spring connection labs are still useful for quick, solder-less prototyping.
  
  

Starting with Individual Components

• If you are taking theindividual component route, you will need some background knowledge to know where to start.
  
  Most components fall into one of two categories: active or passive. For the most basic circuits and experiments, you will primarily need passive components. This family includes resistors, ceramic capacitors and electrolytic capacitors. You will also need a variety of LED's, switches and/or buttons, potentiometers (variable resistors), connection wires and, of course, batteries and battery packs.
  
  When you are comfortable with passive circuits and want to move onto active circuits, you will need small signal transistors, diodes and integrated circuits.
  
  To assemble the components into circuits, you'll need a modular breadboard. These are prototyping tools, allowing you to build circuits without solder.
  
  Helpful but not essential)supplies include a power supply (saves on batteries) and a basic multimeter.
  
  See Resources for information on where to find all of these components and supplies.
  
  

Electronics Theory

• While the actual building of circuits with a kit or otherwise is important hands-on experience, the theoretical explanations in instructional guides and tutorials found elsewhere can be somewhat lacking. A great number of basic electronics theory books and websites will help fill in any gaps.
  
  

Moving On

• After you have developed an understanding of basic active and passive circuits, and basic theory, there is a fork in the road. Electronic circuits can be roughly split into two categories: analogue and digital. Analogue circuits include amplifiers, radio receivers, power regulators. Digital circuits deal with logic gates, and include microchips, controllers, digital clocks. As each field is extensive, those planning on advancing into complex circuits will want to focus on one or the other.