You use a breakout board to get the connector you need to hook it up to your computer. So for the 5v mini you would get something like this: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9716
You then either solder on some headers and connect it to the breakout, program it, and then disconnect it when done or do some funky alligator clip madness to connect the breakout to the arduino.
Note that the pro already has the pins waiting for the breakout to be connected.
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I have an old R1 Uno, and I've always been interested in the smaller form factor devices.
How exactly are the devices like the Pro and Mini programmed? I've never been able to get a straight answer.
You use a breakout board to get the connector you need to hook it up to your computer. So for the 5v mini you would get something like this: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9716
You then either solder on some headers and connect it to the breakout, program it, and then disconnect it when done or do some funky alligator clip madness to connect the breakout to the arduino.
Note that the pro already has the pins waiting for the breakout to be connected.