92 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
92 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
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# About
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### @description A Blocks / Javascript code editor for the micro:bit, a pocket-size computer with 5x5 display, sensors and Bluetooth.
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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.
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The BBC micro:bit was made possible by many [partners](https://www.microbit.co.uk/partners).
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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.
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Just like Arduino, the micro:bit can be connected to and interact with sensors, displays, and other devices.
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* [Read the docs](/docs)
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## [Hardware: The Device](/device)
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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!
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## Programming: [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript)
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You can program the micro:bit using [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) in your web browser via the [micro:bit APIs](/reference):
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```block
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input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
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basic.showString("Hi!");
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})
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```
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```typescript
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input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
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basic.showString("Hi!");
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})
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```
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The editor work in [most modern browsers](/browsers), work [offline](/offline) once loaded and do not require any installation.
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## [Compile and Flash: Your Program!](/device/usb)
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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).
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Compilation to ARM thumb machine code from [Blocks](/blocks) or [JavaScript](/javascript) happens in the browser. You save the ARM binary
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program to a file, which you then copy to the micro:bit drive, which flashes the micro:bit device with the new program.
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## Simulator: Test Your Code
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You can run your code using the micro:bit simulator, all within the confines of a web browser.
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The simulator has support for the LED screen, buttons, as well as compass, accelerometer, and digital I/O pins.
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```sim
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basic.forever(() => {
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basic.showString("Hi!");
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})
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input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
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led.stopAnimation();
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basic.showLeds(`
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. . . . .
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. # . # .
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. . . . .
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# . . . #
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. # # # .`);
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});
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input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, () => {
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led.stopAnimation();
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basic.showLeds(`
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. # . # .
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# . # . #
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# . . . #
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. # . # .
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. . # . .`);
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});
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```
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## C++ Runtime
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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,
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as well as a set of helper functions (such as displaying a number/image/string on the LED screen).
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The [micro:bit library](/reference) mirrors the functions of the C++ library.
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When code is compiled to ARM machine code, the calls to JavaScript micro:bit functions are replaced with calls to the corresponding C++ functions.
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## [Command Line Tools](/cli)
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Looking to use pxt.microbit.org in your favorite editor? Install the [command line tools](/cli) and get rolling!
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## [Packages](/packages)
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Create, edit and distribute your own blocks and JavaScript using [packages](/packages). Packages are hosted on GitHub and may be written
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using C++, JavaScript and/or ARM thumb.
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## [Open Source](/open-source)
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The code for the micro:bit is [open source](/open-source) on GitHub. Contributors are welcome!
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