IDEs for MicroPython

Usage

There are several IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) available for MicroPython programming, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most popular IDEs for MicroPython programming are:

• Thonny

• Mu

• PyCharm

• Jupyter

• Visual Studio Code is a popular and versatile IDE that supports multiple programming languages, including MicroPython. It provides many useful features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Thonny IDE

Thonny is a multiplatform IDE for MicroPython programming beginners. It has a simple and user-friendly interface and includes a MicroPython REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) that allows you to interact with the MicroPython interpreter and test your code in real-time.

1. Download and install Thonny IDE from webpage or directly in terminal (in Linux-based operating systems):

   sudo apt install thonny

2. Run the Thonny and select on-board interpreter. Go to Run > Select interpreter... and select ESP32 or ESP8266. Test the board in Shell.

3. Copy/paste the example blink code and run the application by Run > Run current script F5.

   

   NOTE: When a program is running at an interactive console, pressing Ctrl+C will raise a `KeyboardInterrupt`` exception on the main thread to stop the script. If it does not respond, press the onboard reset button.

Mu

Mu is another multiplatform IDE for MicroPython programming that is designed for beginners. It has a built-in MicroPython REPL and includes a tool for flashing firmware onto your board. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

1. Download and install Mu for Windows, Mac OSX or Linux.

2. Launch the application, select ESP Micropython mode, copy/paste the example blink code, save the script on your local folder, connect the ESP32 board, and run the application.

   

PyCharm

PyCharm is a powerful IDE that provides advanced features such as code completion, debugging, and version control integration. PyCharm also includes a MicroPython debugger that allows you to step through your code and set breakpoints. PyCharm is a commercial product, but has a Community Edition free version. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and it can be especially helpful for larger and more complex Python/MicroPython projects.

1. Download and install Community edition PyCharm.

2. Run the PyCharm and install MicroPython plugin for PyCharm. Go to File > Settings... > Plugins > Marketplace, search for MicroPython and install it. Restart the IDE.

3. Create a new project, name and locate it wherever you want. Connect your ESP32/ESP8266 board vie USB.

4. Go to File > Settings... > Languages & Frameworks > MicroPython and:

   • check Enable MicroPython support
   • select ESP8266 device type (it works also for ESP32)
   • set Device path for your board, such as /dev/ttyUSB0 in Linux
   • click on OK button

   Test REPL in Tools > MicroPython > MicroPython REPL Alt+Shift+R. Press on-board reset button if necesary.

   Note: Sometimes, there is a useful function to clear all files store in device's memory. Select Tools > MicroPython > Remove All Files from MicroPython Device.

5. Add a file to the project. Select File > New... > Python file and name it main.py. The missing packages will be installed to work with the ESP32/8266. Copy/paste the example blink code to main.py file.

6. Upload a program. Right-click the main.py file in the project browser on the left side and select Run 'Flash main.py'.

   

   Note: Check MicroPython Tutorial for other simple examples and see description of machine module.

MicroPython in Jupyter

1. Open Terminal and install Jupyter notebook and/or lab:

   pip install notebook
   pip install jupyterlab

2. Install MicroPython kernel:

   pip install jupyter_micropython_kernel
   python3 -m jupyter_micropython_kernel.install

3. Run Jupyter notebook and open example:

   jupyter-notebook

   

References

1. Getting Started with the MicroPython in PyCharm for Raspberry Pi Pico

2. Jupyter MicroPython Kernel

3. MicroPython: Programming an ESP using Jupyter Notebook