Datasheet

Each module comes pre-loaded with NodeMCU's Lua interpreter (NodeMCU 0.9.5 build 20150318 / Lua 5.1.4 to be

specific), you can run commands, and 'save' Lua programs directly to the module's Flash using a USB-Serial converter

cable.

But, if you'd like, you can skip Lua and go direct to using the Arduino IDE. Once you download the ESP8266 core, you

can treat it just like a microcontroller+WiFi board, no other processors needed!