For ages, C and C++ have ruled over the embedded system industry. Fast prototyping is an important aspect of the industry today. In fact MicroPython is the best suited for fast prototyping. Students and engineers are becoming very familiar with the Python programming language. Micro python is a new addition to an embedded programming world with increasing support day by day. Developers therefore shouldn’t be surprised when they see Python cropping up and beginning to play a role in embedded system development!!!
What is MicroPython ?
It is the the python programming language specifically for micro controllers and embedded systems design.
According to micropython.org “MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language that includes a small subset of the Python standard library and is optimised to run on microcontrollers and in constrained environments.”
It provides functions to address pins on the microcontroller, read from the sensors attached to the microcontroller board etc.
Code for blinking an LED in ESP 8266 is as simple For example:
Boards supporting MicroPython:
IDE used for MicroPython Development using ESP8266
- uPyCraft IDE (Setting Up the uPyCraft IDE )
- Thonny IDE (Setting Up the Thonny IDE )
What is ESP8266 ?
ESP8266 is a Wifi module which was manufactured by Espressif Systems. It was released in August 2014. It has clock frequency of 80-160MHz,32-bit Microcontroller.
Moreover integrated TCP/IP protocol stack that can give any microcontroller access to your WiFi network. The ESP8266 is capable of hosting an application or offloading all Wi-Fi networking functions.
To learn more on NodeMCU ESP8266 visit
Difference between ESP 8266 and Node MCU ?
The ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi chip with full TCP/IP stack and MCU (Micro Controller Unit)
NodeMCU devkit is a development board with the ESP8266 mounted on it. It also has a USB to Serial convertor chip on board.
Conclusion:
Using MicroPython is a great way to get the most of your ESP8266 board. And vice versa, the ESP8266 chip is a great platform for using MicroPython