Differences between MicroPython programming and other common
microcontroller programming languages (like C/C++, Arduino IDE, or
bare-metal assembly):
Aspect MicroPython Other Microcontroller Languages
High-level Python
1. Language Base Typically C, C++, or Assembly
implementation
Pythonic, readable, beginner-
2. Syntax More verbose, lower-level syntax
friendly
C/Assembly are more memory-
3. Memory Footprint Lightweight but larger than C
efficient
Slower execution due to
4. Speed Faster execution (compiled)
interpretation
Interactive REPL (Read-Eval-
5. Development Style Compile-upload-run cycle
Print Loop)
Easier for beginners familiar
6. Ease of Learning Steeper learning curve
with Python
Built-in Python libraries (math, Hardware-specific libraries, less
7. Libraries
time, etc.) general-purpose
Portable across supported
8. Portability Often hardware-specific
boards
9. Debugging Interactive debugging via REPL Requires external debuggers/tools
10. Code Size Larger due to Python overhead Smaller, optimized binaries
11. Real-Time
Limited for strict real-time tasks Better suited for real-time control
Performance
Larger, established embedded
12. Community Growing maker/IoT community
systems community
Integrates with Python
13. Ecosystem Integrates with embedded toolchains
ecosystem
14. Error Handling Python exceptions Manual error handling in C/Assembly
Abstracted APIs (e.g.,
15. Hardware Access Direct register manipulation
[Link])
16. Productivity Faster prototyping Slower but more optimized
17. File System Supports on-device file system Typically no file system
Aspect MicroPython Other Microcontroller Languages
18. Firmware Updates Easy via scripts Requires recompilation and flashing
Python modules reusable
19. Code Reuse Limited portability
across platforms
Makers, hobbyists, IoT
20. Target Audience Professional embedded engineers
developers
Key Takeaways
• MicroPython shines in ease of use, rapid prototyping, and accessibility for beginners
and IoT projects.
• C/C++/Assembly dominate in performance, efficiency, and real-time control, making
them better for industrial-grade applications.
• Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize speed and optimization or
development speed and simplicity.
Features of MicroPython:
Feature Expanded Description
Implements a lean subset of Python 3, making it familiar yet
1. Python 3 Subset
optimized for microcontrollers.
Provides a live prompt for testing code snippets, debugging, and
2. Interactive REPL
controlling hardware instantly.
3. Lightweight Designed to run on devices with very limited RAM and flash (tens
Runtime of KBs).
4. Hardware Modules like machine simplify access to GPIO, timers, PWM,
Abstraction Layer ADC/DAC, and communication buses.
Includes a simple on-device file system for storing scripts, logs,
5. File System Support
and configuration files.
Python-style try/except makes error management easier
6. Exception Handling
compared to C’s manual checks.
7. Cross-Platform Runs on ESP32, STM32, PyBoard, Raspberry Pi Pico, and more
Portability with minimal code changes.
Ships with math, time, os, and other standard modules, plus
8. Built-in Libraries
hardware-specific ones.
No need for compilation—scripts can be uploaded or edited
9. Rapid Prototyping
directly for fast iteration.
10. Memory Includes garbage collection to manage memory automatically,
Management unlike manual allocation in C.
Feature Expanded Description
11. Networking Provides modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sockets, enabling IoT
Support applications.
Supports cooperative multitasking via uasyncio, allowing
12. Concurrency
multiple tasks to run concurrently.
Designed to be approachable for students and hobbyists, lowering
13. Educational Focus
barriers to embedded programming.
Can integrate with C modules for performance-critical tasks while
14. Extensibility
keeping Python ease-of-use.
15. Community Backed by an active open-source community, with tutorials,
Ecosystem libraries, and board support expanding rapidly.
1. Introduction to MicroPython
MicroPython is a lean implementation of Python 3 designed to run on
microcontrollers. Unlike traditional embedded programming in C or Assembly,
MicroPython allows developers to use familiar Python syntax while still interacting
directly with hardware. This makes it ideal for education, IoT prototyping, and
hobbyist projects.
Example: Hello World on MicroPython
print("Hello, MicroPython!")
This simple script runs directly on the board without compilation, demonstrating the
ease of use compared to C-based workflows.
2. Microcontrollers Overview
Microcontrollers are small computers on a chip, typically with limited RAM and flash
memory. MicroPython is optimized to run on these constrained devices, bridging the
gap between high-level programming and low-level hardware control.
Example: Checking system info
import os
print([Link]())
This prints details about the microcontroller, such as firmware version and board type.
3. Getting Started
To begin, you flash MicroPython firmware onto a supported board (e.g., ESP32,
PyBoard, Raspberry Pi Pico). Once installed, you connect via USB or serial and
access the REPL (interactive prompt).
Example: REPL interaction
>>> 2 + 3
5
>>> "MicroPython".upper()
'MICROPYTHON'
This immediate feedback loop makes experimentation fast and intuitive.
4. REPL & Interactive Programming
The REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) is one of MicroPython’s most powerful features. It
allows developers to test code snippets live, debug hardware interactions, and iterate
quickly.
Example: Blinking an LED interactively
from machine import Pin
import time
led = Pin(2, [Link]) # onboard LED
while True:
[Link](1)
[Link](0.5)
[Link](0)
[Link](0.5)
You can stop and modify this loop directly from the REPL without recompiling.
5. Python Subset in MicroPython
MicroPython supports most Python 3 features: data types, loops, functions, and
exceptions. However, heavy modules like multiprocessing or numpy are excluded due
to memory constraints.
Example: Using lists and loops
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
for n in numbers:
print(n * n)
This demonstrates Python’s expressive syntax, which is preserved in MicroPython.
6. Hardware Control
MicroPython provides the machine module for hardware access. You can control
GPIO pins, timers, PWM signals, and analog inputs/outputs.
Example: Reading a button press
from machine import Pin
button = Pin(0, [Link])
if [Link]() == 1:
print("Button pressed!")
This abstracts away register-level programming, making hardware control beginner-
friendly.
7. Sensors & Actuators
MicroPython makes it easy to interface with sensors and actuators. For example, you
can read temperature sensors or control motors with minimal code.
Example: Reading a temperature sensor (DS18B20)
import onewire, ds18x20, machine, time
dat = [Link](12)
ds = ds18x20.DS18X20([Link](dat))
roms = [Link]()
while True:
ds.convert_temp()
[Link](1)
for rom in roms:
print(ds.read_temp(rom))
8. File System & Storage
MicroPython supports a simple file system on flash memory. You can store scripts,
logs, and configuration files directly on the device.
Example: Writing to a file
with open("[Link]", "w") as f:
[Link]("Temperature log started\n")
9. Networking & IoT
On boards like ESP8266 or ESP32, MicroPython provides Wi-Fi and socket support,
enabling IoT applications.
Example: Connecting to Wi-Fi
import network
wifi = [Link](network.STA_IF)
[Link](True)
[Link]("MySSID", "MyPassword")
while not [Link]():
pass
print("Connected:", [Link]())
10. Concurrency
MicroPython supports cooperative multitasking via uasyncio. This allows multiple
tasks to run concurrently without blocking.
Example: Running two tasks
import uasyncio as asyncio
async def blink():
while True:
print("Blink")
await [Link](1)
async def read_sensor():
while True:
print("Sensor reading")
await [Link](2)
[Link]([Link](blink(), read_sensor()))
11. Error Handling
MicroPython uses Python’s exception system, making debugging easier compared to
C.
Example: Handling errors
try:
x=1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Cannot divide by zero!")
12. Extending MicroPython
Performance-critical tasks can be written in C and integrated with MicroPython,
combining efficiency with ease of use.
13. Educational Applications
MicroPython is widely used in classrooms and workshops because of its simplicity.
Students can learn programming concepts while directly interacting with hardware.
14. Rapid Prototyping
MicroPython eliminates the compile-flash-run cycle. You can upload or edit scripts
directly, making it ideal for fast prototyping.
15. Community & Ecosystem
MicroPython has a vibrant open-source community. Tutorials, libraries, and board
support are constantly expanding, making it easier to find help and resources.
Example-1: The classic “Hello World” of embedded programming.
Teaches: GPIO control, timing, infinite loops
Example 2: Read a Button
Detecting input from a push button.
