MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
If you're based in the UK (or even if you're not) you may have heard about the BBC's micro:bit project; http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit
The micro:bit is a small wearable microcontroller board based on an nRF51 chip. The project will see 1 million of these computing devices given away to the nation's eleven-year-olds sometime in the coming spring. The intention is to inspire digital creativity in children, by giving them a physical device with which they can write cool programs.
From the beginning the BBC have said that Python would be one of the possible languages that the device can be programmed in. Since it's a microcontroller, and the aim is to run Python... well, there's a pretty obvious answer when trying to combine those two things.
We're incredibly pleased to announce that MicroPython runs on the BBC's micro:bit. Furthermore, all the work done so far is being open-sourced today and the repository can be found here: https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/micropython
To read more details and learn the story of how MicroPython came to be on the micro:bit, check out Nicholas Tollervey's blog post found here: http://ntoll.org/article/story-micropython-on-microbit
Finally, there is much to be done. We need help from people with skill and experience developing for such devices. Could you contribute something to a project that will touch the lives of 1 million British children? If so then please read the above-linked post by Nicholas, and head on over to the bbcmicrobit/micropython repository.
(Right now only the code related to the MicroPython port is released. When the device is delivered all the resources needed to recreate the entire project are to be released under an open license. The laudable intention being an unencumbered legacy so others can build upon and adapt the work of the partnership that has created this device.)
The micro:bit is a small wearable microcontroller board based on an nRF51 chip. The project will see 1 million of these computing devices given away to the nation's eleven-year-olds sometime in the coming spring. The intention is to inspire digital creativity in children, by giving them a physical device with which they can write cool programs.
From the beginning the BBC have said that Python would be one of the possible languages that the device can be programmed in. Since it's a microcontroller, and the aim is to run Python... well, there's a pretty obvious answer when trying to combine those two things.
We're incredibly pleased to announce that MicroPython runs on the BBC's micro:bit. Furthermore, all the work done so far is being open-sourced today and the repository can be found here: https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/micropython
To read more details and learn the story of how MicroPython came to be on the micro:bit, check out Nicholas Tollervey's blog post found here: http://ntoll.org/article/story-micropython-on-microbit
Finally, there is much to be done. We need help from people with skill and experience developing for such devices. Could you contribute something to a project that will touch the lives of 1 million British children? If so then please read the above-linked post by Nicholas, and head on over to the bbcmicrobit/micropython repository.
(Right now only the code related to the MicroPython port is released. When the device is delivered all the resources needed to recreate the entire project are to be released under an open license. The laudable intention being an unencumbered legacy so others can build upon and adapt the work of the partnership that has created this device.)
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
It's finally good to be able to talk about this.
Happy to answer questions.
Damien has be astounding in his efforts to get this working.
Happy to answer questions.
Damien has be astounding in his efforts to get this working.
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
So when can non-students buy one?
I'm also interested in the browser based editor.
I'm also interested in the browser based editor.
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
Hi
Where would you like discussions relating to the micro:bit to be posted?
Where would you like discussions relating to the micro:bit to be posted?
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
Given the scale of the project, seems it would make sense to start a new top-level list for the micro:bit in the "Boards running MicroPython" sub-forum.amos wrote:Hi
Where would you like discussions relating to the micro:bit to be posted?
This is so cool. Speaking as a hardware developer, the micro:bit looks like a beautiful hardware design. And as a dad with three little kids, I'm thinking that my oldest might be just about ready to start with something like this by the time they are available in the states.
And, of course, proud to see that MicroPython gets to be an integral part of the project.
Cheers,
Bryan
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Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
python returns to where it started
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
I'm not sure. Definitely you'll need to wait until after the students get one, which isn't until early next year. I'm sure the BBC will give more details in the coming months.dhylands wrote:So when can non-students buy one?
See these links:I'm also interested in the browser based editor.
https://github.com/ntoll/upyed
https://github.com/lordmauve/puppy/
https://github.com/ntoll/microrepl
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
At the moment not many people have the hardware and the software is still under development, so I think the best place for discussion is at the microbit github repo: https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/micropythonamos wrote:Where would you like discussions relating to the micro:bit to be posted?
If there's enough interest/demand (or when the devices shart shipping) then we can start a new top-level topic on this forum.
Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
And here's a question - how it happened that that repo isn't even a proper git fork of mainline repo?
Awesome MicroPython list
Pycopy - A better MicroPython https://github.com/pfalcon/micropython
MicroPython standard library for all ports and forks - https://github.com/pfalcon/micropython-lib
More up to date docs - http://pycopy.readthedocs.io/
Pycopy - A better MicroPython https://github.com/pfalcon/micropython
MicroPython standard library for all ports and forks - https://github.com/pfalcon/micropython-lib
More up to date docs - http://pycopy.readthedocs.io/
Re: RE: Re: MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit
I knew you'd askpfalcon wrote: And here's a question - how it happened that that repo isn't even a proper git fork of mainline repo?
In the beginning it was. But then I needed to use the fancy new yotta build system, and this does everything automagically and forces a directory structure upon you.