If you've never flashed ESP8266 before you'll need to configure Arduino IDE and install drivers to upload the firmware to the boards, you can find drivers here: CH340 driver:https://sparks.gogo.co.nz/ch340.html
Step 1: Genuine Arduino and Chinese Clone - the CH340 Chip Problem I use an Arduino Uno for this example but it is the same process for most Arduino models. So here we have a genuine Arduino and a Chinese clone. Let's do the test. ...
your best choice is a Nano. Unfortunately an original Arduino Nano could cost you around $30 plus shipping so it makes sense to search for an alternative source. There are also somechinese clonesthat are around five times cheaper, even with worldwide shipping. ...
Esptoolis a python script made for flashing the ESP32 or ESP8266. It can be used directly through the command line or indirectly through an IDE like Arduino. If it fails to open a connection to your development board, check these things: Make sure to have the correct serial (COM) port ...