pxt-calliope/docs/about.md

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 is a pocket-size computer 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.

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

Hardware: The Device

The BBC micro:bit is packaged with sensors, radio and other goodies. Learn about the hardware components of the micro:bit to make the most of it!

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Looking to buy a micro:bit? See the list of resellers.

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Programming: Blocks or JavaScript

You can program the micro:bit using Blocks or JavaScript in your web browser via the micro:bit APIs:

input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
    basic.showString("Hi!");
})

input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
    basic.showString("Hi!");
})

The editor work in most modern browsers, work offline once loaded and do not require any installation.

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 or 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.

basic.forever(() => {
  basic.showString("Hi!");
})
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
    led.stopAnimation();
    basic.showLeds(`
. . . . .
. # . # .
. . . . .
# . . . #
. # # # .`);
});
input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, () => {
    led.stopAnimation();
    basic.showLeds(`
. # . # .
# . # . #
# . . . #
. # . # .
. . # . .`);
});

Learn!

We have tons of projects, examples and courses to get your started!

C++ Runtime

The C++ micro:bit runtime, created at Lancaster University, 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 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.

Command Line Tools

Looking to use @homeurl@ in your favorite editor? Install the command line tools and get rolling!

Extensions

Create, edit and distribute your own blocks and JavaScript using extensions. Extensions are hosted on GitHub and may be written using C++, JavaScript and/or ARM thumb.

Open Source

The code for the micro:bit is open source on GitHub. Contributors are welcome!

radio