How Old is MicroPython: A Comprehensive Guide

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. To understand how old MicroPython is, we need to look back at its inception and its subsequent development over the years. In this blog, we'll not only explore the age of MicroPython but also delve into its fundamental concepts, usage methods, common practices, and best practices.

Table of Contents#

  1. The Age of MicroPython
  2. Fundamental Concepts
  3. Usage Methods
  4. Common Practices
  5. Best Practices
  6. Conclusion
  7. References

The Age of MicroPython#

MicroPython was first announced in 2013 by Damien George. He started the project to bring Python programming language to microcontrollers, which at that time were mainly programmed in low-level languages like C and assembly. So, as of 2024, MicroPython is about 11 years old. Since its inception, it has undergone significant development, with a growing community contributing to its expansion and improvement.

Fundamental Concepts#

What is MicroPython?#

MicroPython is a Python interpreter that is designed to run on microcontrollers. It allows developers to write Python code to interact with hardware components such as sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces directly.

Key Features#

  • Python Syntax: MicroPython uses the familiar Python syntax, making it easy for Python developers to get started with microcontroller programming.
  • Small Footprint: It is designed to run on devices with limited resources, such as low-cost microcontrollers with small amounts of RAM and flash memory.
  • Hardware Access: It provides direct access to hardware features like GPIO (General - Purpose Input/Output), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc.

Usage Methods#

Setting up the Environment#

  1. Choose a Microcontroller: Popular microcontrollers for MicroPython include the Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP8266, and ESP32.
  2. Install the MicroPython Firmware:
    • For the Raspberry Pi Pico, you can download the MicroPython UF2 file from the official MicroPython website. Then, hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while plugging it into your computer. The Pico will appear as a mass storage device. Copy the UF2 file to the Pico, and it will automatically reboot with the MicroPython firmware installed.
  3. Connect to the Microcontroller:
    • You can use a serial terminal program like PuTTY (on Windows) or screen (on Linux) to connect to the microcontroller. The baud rate is usually 115200.

Writing and Running Code#

Here is a simple example of blinking an LED on a Raspberry Pi Pico using MicroPython:

import machine
import time
 
# Define the pin for the LED
led = machine.Pin(25, machine.Pin.OUT)
 
while True:
    led.on()
    time.sleep(1)
    led.off()
    time.sleep(1)

In this code:

  • We first import the machine module, which provides access to the hardware features of the microcontroller, and the time module for adding delays.
  • We define the pin connected to the LED as an output pin.
  • Then, in the infinite while loop, we turn the LED on, wait for 1 second, turn it off, and wait for another 1 second.

Common Practices#

Reading Sensor Data#

Let's say you want to read temperature data from a DHT11 sensor connected to a Raspberry Pi Pico.

import machine
import dht
 
# Initialize the DHT11 sensor
d = dht.DHT11(machine.Pin(15))
 
while True:
    try:
        d.measure()
        temp = d.temperature()
        hum = d.humidity()
        print('Temperature: {}°C, Humidity: {}%'.format(temp, hum))
    except OSError as e:
        print('Failed to read sensor.')
    time.sleep(2)

In this example:

  • We import the dht module which is used to interact with DHT sensors.
  • We initialize the DHT11 sensor on pin 15.
  • In the while loop, we measure the temperature and humidity, and print the values. If there is an error reading the sensor, we print an error message.

Communicating with Other Devices#

For example, communicating with an LCD display using the I2C interface:

import machine
import ssd1306
 
# Initialize I2C
i2c = machine.I2C(0, scl=machine.Pin(1), sda=machine.Pin(0))
 
# Initialize the SSD1306 OLED display
display = ssd1306.SSD1306_I2C(128, 64, i2c)
 
# Clear the display
display.fill(0)
 
# Write text to the display
display.text('Hello, MicroPython!', 0, 0)
display.show()

Best Practices#

Memory Management#

  • Use Local Variables: Local variables have a smaller memory footprint compared to global variables. Avoid using global variables unless necessary.
  • Delete Unused Objects: In MicroPython, you can use the del keyword to delete objects that are no longer needed, freeing up memory.

Error Handling#

  • Try - Except Blocks: Use try - except blocks to catch and handle errors gracefully. This prevents your program from crashing due to unexpected events such as sensor read failures or communication errors.

Code Organization#

  • Modularize Your Code: Break your code into smaller functions and modules. This makes your code easier to read, test, and maintain.

Conclusion#

MicroPython, being around for about 11 years as of 2024, has proven to be a powerful tool for microcontroller programming. Its Python-based syntax and direct hardware access make it accessible to a wide range of developers, from beginners to experts. By understanding its fundamental concepts, usage methods, common practices, and best practices, you can efficiently use MicroPython to build various embedded systems and projects.

References#

2025-10