MicroPython Forum (Archive)

Has anyone else noticed how a majority of DIY projects out there using the ESP8266 rely on some pre-built Arduino sketch? I realize that Arduino is easier for many folks for many reasons...

• Familiar environment
  Easy of use
  Huge community

But I do see some areas where Micropython is superior.

Interactivity
The ability to run a REPL prompt provides a great resource for testing and experimentation. Instead of having the edit-compile-upload cycle, it's basically edit the source .py file and run.

Comprehension
I think a lot of how libraries are used in the Arduino are pretty much used as black boxes... without a lot of comprehension as to their inner working or contents. For some, especially beginners, this can be a great way to build neat things with little effort. But for more advanced projects, a better understanding of your tools is necessary. Micropython's code is simple and clear throughout the code base.

Power Without Pain
Finally, I think the high-level nature of Micropython makes for easier implementations. It's heritage in version 3 of Python gives us a whole new set of tools to solve problems. This means it opens up whole new approaches to embedded programming.

So what can we do to encourage Micropython adoption in an Arduino world?

I think that you are preaching to the choir here, so to speak.

bitninja wrote:So what can we do to encourage Micropython adoption in an Arduino world?

Good to hear you that you like MicroPython and want to help with its adoption!

Here are some ideas:

• Tell your friends and colleagues about MicroPython
• Blog about the projects that you build with MicroPython
• Blog about a comparison between MicroPython and Arduino
• Write reviews about MicroPython boards
• Give a talk about MicroPython at your local hacker event, embedded conference, PyCon, etc

Damien wrote:

• Tell your friends and colleagues about MicroPython
• Blog about the projects that you build with MicroPython
• Blog about a comparison between MicroPython and Arduino
• Write reviews about MicroPython boards
• Give a talk about MicroPython at your local hacker event, embedded conference, PyCon, etc

Thanks, Damien. Those are all excellent points.

One of the reasons I prefer the ESP8266 port is because the devices are so inexpensive. I have already given a few away (loaded with Micropython of course) to friends interested in Python programming.
I probably need to do a review of my favorite board... the Wemos D1 Mini. For less than $3 I get a capable little controller that can use a bunch of different shields.

So much to do....

If you want to run a workshop, I have some materials from the workshops i have run in the past here: http://micropython-on-wemos-d1-mini.readthedocs.io

I mostly did them with Python programmers who wanted to learn a bit about electronics. Would be probably a little harder to also teach Python at the same time, although I know those have been used for it by some other workshop organizers.

[quote="deshipu"]If you want to run a workshop, I have some materials from the workshops i have run in the past here: http://micropython-on-wemos-d1-mini.readthedocs.io

I mostly did them with Python programmers who wanted to learn a bit about electronics. Would be probably a little harder to also teach Python at the same time, although I know those have been used for it by some other workshop organizers.[/quote]

your materials is what make my migration from arduino to micropython much more lighter.

Btw, I made a comparison video between arduino and micropython, not in depth comparison. Maybe in the near future I will make part 2 of this comparison video

here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBmnIF9y_s&t=50s