Bammy:
- Can I design and simulate with Arduino IDE only?
- Is there a particular kit (General/Universal Kit) I need to buy that works for any kind of project?
- Which hardware do I need to buy just to get started?
- What must I do before my programs can be executed?
The IDE is not a simulator.
There are a variety of paces which will sell you an arduino starter kit. These kits usually include
- an arduino
- a USB cable
- a breadboard
- hookup wire
- a small selection of electronic components (some LEDs, some resistors, some pushbuttons, a light-dependent resistor)
- a small servo motor
This is enough to allow you to code up some simple "blinkenlights" projects. Google "Arduino starter kit".