But the real question you have to ask is: is it better to use an integrated component or just put an Arduino and ESP8266 together? [Andreas Spiess] not only asked the question, but he answered it ...

A lot of people have used ESP8266 to add inexpensive WiFi connectivity to their projects, but [Oscar] decided to take it one step further and program an Arduino over WiFi with the ESP8266.

With that said, the same goes for a Raspberry Pi. For example, many enthusiasts pair the ESP8266 with an Arduino, but you can also use it without one. You can program it directly and run your own ...