Getting Started with MicroPython
The micro:bit is an awesome piece of tiny hardware, and I just wanted to make sure we gave you another programming environment with which to play.
Last week we unveiled three new peripheral boards to connect our micro:bit boards up to. Since then we've shown you how to get started with the micro:bit using MakeCode, which is a beginner-friendly block- and text-based programming environment for the micro:bit. If you want to get started with the micro:bit using MicroPython, then you're in luck. I've created a Getting Started with MicroPython guide for the micro:bit. If you have never looked at a Python script before, this is a great way to learn syntax, structure, built-in modules and functions and how to use the interactive REPL. Well, maybe with your feedback it will be a great tutorial one day...
There are a few advantages and disadvantages to using one programming environment over the other. The severity of the trade-offs depends on what your project is. I find using the Music module much easier in MicroPython, but I find building projects with interrupts to be easier in MakeCode. Check out the tutorial and let me know what you think.
SparkFun Creative Technologist Shawn Hymel has created some videos to help you get started using the micro:bit with MicroPython. Check out his recent blog post on all the different ways to program this awesome little board.
We may have some new hardware coming out soon specifically geared toward using the micro:bit with MicroPython. If you are well-versed in Python and would like to contribute some examples for future use, please pull request me here.
