pxt-calliope/docs/about.md
Peli de Halleux 0f56142317 updated about
2016-04-05 10:36:23 -07:00

69 lines
2.3 KiB
Markdown
Raw Blame History

This file contains ambiguous Unicode characters

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

```sim
basic.forever(() => {
basic.showString("Hi!");
})
```
# About
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 a 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.
## Blocks or JavaScript
The student can program the BBC micro:bit using [visual blocks](http://www.github.com/Google/blockly) or JavaScript.
```blocks
basic.showString("BBC micro:bit!");
```
## Compile and Flash
When a user has her code ready, she can connect her BBC micro:bit to a computer via a USB cable, so it appears as a mounted drive.
Compilation to the ARM thumb machine code happens in the browser.
The student is prompted to save the ARM binary program to a file, which she then simply drags to the micro:bit mounted drive,
which flashes the micro:bit device with the new program.
## Simulator: Test Your Code
Before a student compiles her code for the micro:bit, she can run it 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
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
basic.showLeds(`
. . . . .
. # . # .
. . . . .
# . . . #
. # # # .`);
});
input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, () => {
basic.showLeds(`
. # . # .
# . # . #
# . . . #
. # . # .
. . # . .`);
});
input.onGesture(Gesture.Shake, () => {
basic.showLeds(`
. . . . .
. # . # .
. . . . .
. # # # .
# . . . #`);
});
basic.showString("BBC micro:bit");
```
## C++ Runtime
The C++ BBC micro:bit library, created at [Lancaster University](http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/), provides access to the hardware functions of the micro:bit,
as well as a set of helper functions (such as displaying a number/image/string on the LED screen).
The JavaScript micro:bit library 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.