Problem with my usb plug First of all, we connected our usb plug to arduino board (starter kit). After that, we completed Project 1 successfully (circuit with led and switch.) We tried unplug the usb cable, but it was very difficult, we had to pull very hard, but we couldn't unplug it. Finally, I managed to take it away with the help of my partner. I was pulling the usb and my partner was keeping the arduino board stable. The result wasn't very nice, we probably broke the usb cable. You can see what I mean in these images, the metallic coating part of the cable is still stuck on the board.
https://ibb.co/6wtf02J
https://ibb.co/4pZg2w0
https://ibb.co/WPchtgN
https://ibb.co/gPHZYnt
Nevertheless, we put the remaining cable back where it was, and the board seems to be working normally.
My question is if it safe to use it. Is there any chance of electrical damage or something like that?
Thank you!
P.S. In addition, we are planning to buy a new arduino starter kit. How can we avoid this problem with the new board?
Without the center part of the USB plug, it should be possible to make some deformations of that shield without damaging rest of the usb connector and pull it out. Aim for the weakest spot - seam (usually in the middle of bottom).
But even if you damage on board connector, it can be replaced (but it might be better to give it to someone with soldering experience - at least for unsoldering it)
And as noted in comments, even without working usb connector it can be programmed either by connecting USB-TTL serial converter to D0/D1 (but without auto-reset, unless you provide 100nF capacitor between reset and RTS), or it can be programmed by another Arduino as SPI (it needs bit more wires, and by default it doesn't burn bootloader, so if you fix USB, you'll have to burn bootloader).
Easier might be swapping Atmega328p between boards, however it needs some practice, so you won't bend or rip pins)