The ST Micro Nucleo single-board computer (SBC) provides for both analog and digital ports that offer more flexibility toward projects developed. In terms of its physical hardware set up, it is probably the easiest to bring together as compared to other more common SBC solutions.
The Nucleo board is supported by the mbed development system. An online code editor to produce applications for a wide range or project types. The SBC largely provides for a USB interface, power, clock and general purpose I/O in a small form factor.
It can operate with a host or as a freestanding board for set and forget applications. Largely to compete with Arduino, but also for development support of STMicro controller ICs which involve evaluation, qualification for suitability, etc.