Learn MicroPython - A Beginner’s Guide

MicroPython for embedded systems: A Beginner’s Guide

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1. What is MicroPython?

Definition: A lightweight implementation of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers.

Features:

Interactive REPL for real-time coding.
Access to hardware peripherals (GPIO, I2C, SPI, PWM, ADC, etc.).
Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT protocols.
Minimal memory footprint (~256KB ROM, 16KB RAM).

Why MicroPython?

Easier to learn than C/C++ (no manual memory management).
Rapid prototyping for IoT, robotics, and embedded systems.

2. Prerequisites

Basic Python Knowledge:

Understanding variables, loops, functions, and modules is recommended.

Hardware Requirements:

MicroPython-compatible board (Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP32, ESP8266, Pyboard).
USB cable, breadboard, LEDs, resistors, sensors (DHT11, BMP280).

Software Tools:

Thonny IDE (recommended) or VS Code with PyMakr.
Necessary drivers (e.g., CP2102 for ESP32).

3. Setting Up MicroPython

Flashing MicroPython Firmware

Raspberry Pi Pico: Download the UF2 file, hold the BOOTSEL button while plugging in USB, and drag the UF2 file to the RPI-RP2 drive.

ESP32/ESP8266: Use esptool to flash firmware:

esptool.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 erase_flash
esptool.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --baud 460800 write_flash -z 0x1000 firmware.bin

Connecting to the Board

Open Thonny IDE and select the correct port (e.g., COM3 or /dev/ttyUSB0).
Access the REPL (Ctrl+C to interrupt code, Ctrl+D to soft reboot).

4. MicroPython Basics

MicroPython follows Python 3 syntax with some limitations.

Blink an LED

from machine import Pin
import time

led = Pin(2, Pin.OUT)  # GPIO2 on ESP32
while True:
    led.on()
    time.sleep(1)
    led.off()
    time.sleep(1)

5. Essential MicroPython Modules

machine: Control hardware (GPIO, ADC, PWM, I2C).
time: Delays and timing.
network: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (ESP32 only).

Connecting to Wi-Fi

import network
wifi = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
wifi.active(True)
wifi.connect("SSID", "password")

6. Project Ideas

Beginner:

Blinking LED with button control.
Temperature Sensor (DHT11, DS18B20).
Wi-Fi Web Server to control an LED.

Intermediate:

Weather Station with SD card logging.
IoT MQTT Client for cloud data publishing.

Advanced:

BLE Beacon with Bluetooth Low Energy.
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

7. Resources

Official Documentation: MicroPython.org
Books: "Programming with MicroPython" by Nicholas Tollervey.
Communities: MicroPython Forum, r/esp32 (Reddit).

Tech-tidbits

Micro-python at a Glance ( AI Generated Text )