Book Image

BBC Micro:bit in Practice

By : Ashwin Pajankar, Abhishek Sharma, Sandeep Saini
Book Image

BBC Micro:bit in Practice

By: Ashwin Pajankar, Abhishek Sharma, Sandeep Saini

Overview of this book

This book is a one-stop guide for learning BBC Micro:bit with MicroPython, exploring many hardware components and programming techniques to provide detailed insights into developing practical applications with the Micro:bit. It will also show you how hardware components can be manipulated using a combination of Micro:bit and MicroPython for developing practical projects. BBC Micro:bit in Practice will help you gain a holistic understanding of the BBC Micro:bit platform and MicroPython programming, guiding you through mini projects aimed at developing practical knowledge of circuit design and writing programs. You’ll learn how to write programs for working with built-in LEDs and buttons, interfacing external LEDs, buttons, motors, buzzers, and much more. You’ll also work with built-in radio, speakers, accelerometer, and a compass. You’ll dive into concepts related to the Micro:bit filesystem, interfacing external displays, and working with libraries in detail before exploring sewable circuits and wearable technology. After reading this Micro:bit book, you’ll understand how to apply principles in electronics and MicroPython to create interesting real-life projects from scratch.
Table of Contents (22 chapters)
1
Part 1: Getting Started with the BBC Micro:bit
6
Part 2: Programming Hardware with MicroPython
10
Part 3: Filesystems and Programming Analog I/O
13
Part 4: Advanced Hardware Interfacing and Applications

Setting Up the Micro:bit and Using Code Editors

In the previous chapter, we got acquainted with the BBC Micro:bit board and its specifications. We also learned how to power it up. The chapter was heavy on the side of concepts and not the hands-on part.

In this chapter, we will get started with the environment setup for MicroPython with the Micro:bit. We will write and execute our first MicroPython program, and we will explore the entire ecosystem of MicroPython programming platforms and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) with Micro:bit. We will also learn how to upgrade the firmware of Micro:bit. The following is the list of topics we will explore and demonstrate:

  • BBC Micro:bit versus Raspberry Pi
  • The Python programming language
  • Introduction to MicroPython
  • MicroPython code editors
  • Using offline IDEs for MicroPython
  • Manually upgrading the firmware
  • Restoring the out-of-the-box experience program

Upon completing this chapter, we will be...