diff --git a/docs/about.md b/docs/about.md index abde497c..2562578c 100644 --- a/docs/about.md +++ b/docs/about.md @@ -1,3 +1,50 @@ +![](/static/mb/device/pano.jpg) + +# About + +### @description A Blocks / Javascript code editor for the micro:bit, a pocket-size computer with 5x5 display, sensors and Bluetooth. + +The [BBC micro:bit](https://www.microbit.co.uk) is a [pocket-size computer](/device) with a 5x5 display of 25 LEDs, Bluetooth and sensors that can be programmed by anyone. +The BBC micro:bit was made possible by many [partners](https://www.microbit.co.uk/partners). + +The micro:bit provides an easy and fun introduction to programming and making – switch on, program it to do something fun – wear it, customize it. +Just like Arduino, the micro:bit can be connected to and interact with sensors, displays, and other devices. + +* [Read the docs](/docs) + +## [Hardware: The Device](/device) + +The BBC micro:bit is packaged with sensors, radio and other goodies. Learn about the [hardware components](/device) of the micro:bit to make the most of it! + +## Programming: [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) + +You can program the micro:bit using [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) in your web browser via the [micro:bit APIs](/reference): + +```block +input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => { + basic.showString("Hi!"); +}) +``` +```typescript +input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => { + basic.showString("Hi!"); +}) +``` + +The editor work in [most modern browsers](/browsers), work [offline](/offline) once loaded and do not require any installation. + +## [Compile and Flash: Your Program!](/device/usb) + +When you have your code ready, you connect your micro:bit to a computer via a USB cable, so it appears as a mounted drive (named MICROBIT). + +Compilation to ARM thumb machine code from [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) happens in the browser. You save the ARM binary +program to a file, which you then copy to the micro:bit drive, which flashes the micro:bit device with the new program. + +## Simulator: Test Your Code + +You can run your code using the micro:bit simulator, all within the confines of a web browser. +The simulator has support for the LED screen, buttons, as well as compass, accelerometer, and digital I/O pins. + ```sim basic.forever(() => { basic.showString("Hi!"); @@ -20,43 +67,8 @@ input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, () => { . # . # . . . # . .`); }); -``` -# About - -### @description A Blocks / Javascript code editor for the micro:bit, a pocket-size computer with 5x5 display, sensors and Bluetooth. - -The [BBC micro:bit](https://www.microbit.co.uk) is a [pocket-size computer](/device) with a 5x5 display of 25 LEDs, Bluetooth and sensors that can be programmed by anyone. -The BBC micro:bit was made possible by many [partners](https://www.microbit.co.uk/partners). - -The micro:bit provides an easy and fun introduction to programming and making – switch on, program it to do something fun – wear it, customize it. -Just like Arduino, the micro:bit can be connected to and interact with sensors, displays, and other devices. - -## Hardware: The Device - -Learn about the [hardware components](/device) of the micro:bit to make the most of it! - -## Programming: Blocks or JavaScript - -You can program the micro:bit using [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript), via the [micro:bit APIs](/reference): - -```blocks -input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => { - basic.showString("Hi!"); -}) ``` -## Compile and Flash: Your Program! - -When you have your code ready, you connect your micro:bit to a computer via a USB cable, so it appears as a mounted drive (named MICROBIT). - -Compilation to ARM thumb machine code from [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) happens in the browser. You save the ARM binary -program to a file, which you then copy to the micro:bit drive, which flashes the micro:bit device with the new program. - -## Simulator: Test Your Code - -You can run your code using the micro:bit simulator, all within the confines of a web browser. -The simulator has support for the LED screen, buttons, as well as compass, accelerometer, and digital I/O pins. - ## C++ Runtime The [C++ micro:bit runtime](http://lancaster-university.github.io/microbit-docs/), created at [Lancaster University](http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/), provides access to the hardware functions of the micro:bit, @@ -65,6 +77,15 @@ as well as a set of helper functions (such as displaying a number/image/string o The [micro:bit library](/reference) mirrors the functions of the C++ library. When code is compiled to ARM machine code, the calls to JavaScript micro:bit functions are replaced with calls to the corresponding C++ functions. -## Open Source +## [Command Line Tools](/cli) + +Looking to use codethemicrobit.com in your favorite editor? Install the [command line tools](/cli) and get rolling! + +## [Packages](/packages) + +Create, edit and distribute your own blocks and JavaScript using [packages](/packages). Packages are hosted on GitHub and may be written +using C++, JavaScript and/or ARM thumb. + +## [Open Source](/open-source) The code for the micro:bit is [open source](/open-source) on GitHub. Contributors are welcome! diff --git a/docs/static/mb/device/pano.jpg b/docs/static/mb/device/pano.jpg new file mode 100644 index 00000000..df4c95a1 Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/static/mb/device/pano.jpg differ