If Arduino were a real language, and you were stuck with digitalWrite(), you wouldn’t be able to use the language for anything particularly sophisticated. But it’s just a convenience function.

Although Arduino's programming language is based on C++, you won't be able to use all of its commands. But, you can still use objects in Arduino's IDE, which are a fundamental aspect of C++.

To start, you need to buy an Arduino. It comes pre-assembled or, for those handy with a soldering iron, in kit form. A fully assembled Diecimila board from the excellent Make costs just $35.