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First a huge thank you to this articles sponsor Programming with MicroPython: Embedded Programming with Microcontrollers and Python!

This hands-on guide, by Nicholas Tollervey, empowers programmers, educators, and makers already familiar with Python to dive into the exciting realm of microcontrollers. From your first blinking LED to sophisticated robotics and wireless communication, you'll learn how to harness MicroPython's lean efficiency to create exceptional embedded projects. Explore the intricacies of hardware interaction, experiment with popular devices like the PyBoard, micro:bit, Circuit Playground Express, and ESP boards, and discover a project development framework that fosters innovation. Packed with practical examples covering visual feedback, input sensing, networking, sound generation, and robotics, this book provides the knowledge and inspiration to bring your embedded ideas to life while having fun along the way. Start building amazing projects and get your copy today!

What is MicroPython

MicroPython is an open source interpreter for a subset of Python 3, optimized to run on microcontrollers and other resource constrained devices. It allows developers to write Python scripts that directly interact with hardware components like sensors, actuators, and communication modules. Its small footprint makes it ideal for devices with limited memory and processing power.

How is MicroPython Different from Regular Python?

While MicroPython is based on Python 3, it is tailored to run on microcontrollers, which means it has some differences compared to standard Python:

1. Resource Constraints: MicroPython is optimized for environments with limited resources. It has a smaller memory footprint and is designed to run on devices with as little as 256KB of flash memory and 16KB of RAM.

2. Hardware Interaction: MicroPython includes modules that allow direct interaction with hardware components, which are not available in standard Python.

3. Performance: Due to the constraints of microcontrollers, some Python features are either not available or are implemented differently to ensure efficient execution.

How is MicroPython Different from CPython?

CPython is the reference implementation of Python, and it is what most people refer to when they talk about Python. Here are some key differences between MicroPython and CPython:

1. Size and Efficiency: MicroPython is much smaller and more efficient than CPython, making it suitable for microcontrollers. CPython is designed for general-purpose computing and is not optimized for constrained environments.

2. Feature Set: MicroPython does not support all features of CPython. Some advanced features, such as certain standard libraries and modules, are omitted to save space and resources.

3. Execution Environment: MicroPython runs directly on the hardware, whereas CPython typically runs on an operating system.

Micro-ified Libraries

MicroPython includes "micro-ified" versions of standard Python libraries. These libraries are stripped down to include only the essential features needed for embedded development. This reduction in functionality helps to minimize memory usage and improve performance on microcontrollers.

For example, the micropython module provides functions to control memory allocation and garbage collection, which are crucial for managing limited resources effectively.

MicroPython-Specific Libraries

MicroPython also includes libraries that are specific to its environment, providing functionality that is not available in standard Python. These libraries are designed to interact with hardware components and perform tasks common in embedded systems:

• machine: Provides functions to control hardware components like GPIO pins, ADC, PWM, and more.

• network: Offers networking capabilities, including support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

• uasyncio: A lightweight version of Python's asyncio library, tailored for use in resource-constrained environments.

Port-Specific Libraries

MicroPython is designed to be portable across different microcontroller architectures. As a result, it includes port-specific libraries that provide additional functionality for specific hardware platforms. Some examples include:

• ESP8266/ESP32: Libraries for controlling Wi-Fi and other features specific to these popular microcontroller platforms.

• Pyboard: Libraries tailored for the Pyboard, a microcontroller board designed specifically for MicroPython.

• RP2040: Libraries for the Raspberry Pi Pico, which include support for its unique features like PIO (Programmable I/O).

Conclusion

MicroPython brings the simplicity and readability of Python to the world of embedded systems, making it easier for developers to create hardware projects. By offering a lightweight and efficient Python interpreter, MicroPython enables the use of Python in environments with limited resources. Its micro-ified libraries and MicroPython-specific modules provide the necessary tools to interact with hardware components directly. Additionally, port-specific libraries ensure that MicroPython can be adapted to various microcontroller platforms, making it a versatile choice for embedded development.