Preface

MicroPython is a lean implementation of the Python 3 programming language that is capable of running on a wide range of microcontrollers. It provides the majority of features in the Python programming language, such as functions, classes, lists, dictionaries, strings, reading and writing files, list comprehensions, and exception handling to these microcontrollers.

Microcontrollers are tiny computers that usually include a CPU, memory, and input/output peripherals. Even though they will have more limited resources compared to a PC, they can be made to a much smaller dimension, with less power consumption and at a lower cost. These strengths make it possible to use them in a wide range of new applications that weren’t possible before.

This book will cover a number of different features in the MicroPython language, as well as a number of different microcontroller boards. The initial chapters will provide simple and easy to understand recipes to get these boards to interact with people and their environment. Topics ranging from reading temperature, light, and motion data from sensors to interacting with push buttons, slide switches, and touchpads will also be covered. Producing output on these boards with audio playback and LED animations will also be covered in the early chapters. Once this foundation is in place, we will build more involved projects, such as interactive two-player games, electronic musical instruments, and an Internet of Things (IoT) weather machine. You will be able to take the skills you learn from these recipes and directly apply them to your own embedded projects.