MicroPython Forum (Archive)

Is there a reason help() was not implemented in the Unix and Windows builds? I added it to my windows build and it seems to work OK.

Probably just an oversight?
Since you added it already, you could create a pull request to get it get merged into the master branch.

I seem to recall that its omission from the unix build was deliberate, as not in keeping with the 'micro' philosophy. Perhaps it was seen to be more necessary for the pyboard, a sort of online 'Quick Start' for new users. Also, the specific details of the hardware API aren't a standard part of python and it isn't a given that the user will have source code or documentation readily at hand.
-Bryan

Yes, that's it (and it's a FAQ). If you want help(), just run python3 and get it. PyBoard implements it, because on PyBoard there's no other online reference to use, plus it offers extensions to Python stdlib for hardware access.

Alternatively, you can implement help() for MicroPython in Python code, make it a module, post on PyPI. Those few who need it will be able to install it from there. Note that it won't work too good so far, because of https://github.com/micropython/micropython/issues/959 . And that issue is really worth being solved, patches welcome!

Ok, I'll just keep the changes locally then because I like having the help, limited as it may be.

Sounds good. Others can keep using dir() for that.