I did notice quite a difference in code between the LED Blinky examples for standard Arduino and ESP8266. I expected 99% of the code to be identical so this much difference is a surprise and disappointing.
If you search YouTube for esp8266 arduino ide set up you will be sure to find a good guide in the first 3 videos.
http://esp8266basic.com
A BASIC interpreter for your ESP
Working now on Autodrop3d. A 3d printer with automatic part ejection system. https://autodrop3d.com