ESP8266 Community Forum

Hi there. I've been using a NodeMCU v0.9 module for some time but now would like to minify my design using one of these modules. I'm aware that I will need to factor a 3v3 regulator into my design however I am having trouble finding the following information:

• What USB to (is it serial? FTDI?) chip and associated components should I get so that I can program my board using the arduino IDE? Through-hole is preferred but a larger pitch SMD that I can work with a hand iron would be acceptable
• Some diagrams mention various pull-up/-down resistors that are needed, but the pinout of the module I've linked doesn't correspond with other modules commonly talked about. I'm confident in my PCB design and soldering but I feel very overwhelmed reading the datasheet for the module I linked above. Could anyone kindly lay it out for me?
• Would the GPIO pins on this module be assigned the same numbers as other modules?

Thanks so much in advance