An easy to understand connector layout for programming a bare ESP8266 with an FT232RL serial module.  

-// This is the configuration needed to upload your sketch from the Arduino IDE.

 

- In order to have the ESP execute your sketch once uploaded, you need to disconnect GPOI0 from ground, and then disconnect RTS.

 

*If your sketch didn't execute after disconnecting RTS, briefly connect the RST pin of the ESP to Ground (this will trigger the module to Reset) and your sketch should execute.