Adafruit has announced the release of the CircuitPython 6.0.0 Release Candidate 0. For those of you unfamiliar with CircuitPython, it is a full Python compiler and runtime created for micro-controllers and is an open-source derivative of the MicroPython programming language targeted towards students and beginners. Try the latest version of the Mu editor for creating and editing your CircuitPython programs and for easy access to the CircuitPython serial connection (the REPL).
What is CircuitPython?
CircuitPython is designed to simplify experimenting and learning to program on low-cost microcontroller boards. It is an open-source derivative of MicroPython, which itself is a lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language. CircuitPython aims to make hardware programming accessible to everyone, especially those who are new to coding. It supports a wide range of microcontroller boards, including those from Adafruit, SparkFun, and other manufacturers.
One of the key features of CircuitPython is its ease of use. You can simply copy your Python code to the microcontroller board via USB, and it will run immediately. This eliminates the need for complex toolchains and compilers, making it an excellent choice for educational purposes and rapid prototyping.
New Features in CircuitPython 6.0.0
The release of CircuitPython 6.0.0 brings several new features and improvements. Some of the notable enhancements include:
1. Improved Performance: The new version includes optimizations that make it run faster and more efficiently on supported hardware.
2. Enhanced BLE Support: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support has been significantly improved, making it easier to create wireless projects.
3. New Libraries: Several new libraries have been added, expanding the range of sensors and devices you can interface with.
4. Better Error Messages: The error messages have been made more informative, helping beginners understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
5. Increased Stability: Numerous bug fixes and stability improvements have been made, ensuring a smoother experience.
“This is the first release candidate of CircuitPython 6.0.0. We don’t know of any stability issues overall. See port status below for more stability detail. If you find any issues with it, please file an issue. If no issues are found within a week or so, we’ll release this version as stable.”
Getting Started with CircuitPython
To get started with CircuitPython, you will need a compatible microcontroller board and a USB cable. Here are the basic steps:
1. Download CircuitPython: Visit circuitpython.org to download the latest version of CircuitPython for your specific board.
2. Install CircuitPython: Follow the instructions on the website to install CircuitPython on your board. This usually involves copying a firmware file to the board.
3. Write Your Code: Use the Mu editor or any text editor to write your Python code. Save the code to the board, and it will run automatically.
4. Use the REPL: The Read-Eval-Print Loop (REPL) is a powerful tool for testing and debugging your code. You can access it via a serial connection using the Mu editor or a terminal program.
Community and Resources
The CircuitPython community is active and welcoming. There are numerous resources available to help you get started and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. Some of these resources include:
1. Adafruit Learning System: A comprehensive collection of tutorials and guides for using CircuitPython with various hardware.
2. CircuitPython Discord Server: A place to chat with other CircuitPython users and get help from the community.
3. GitHub: The source code for CircuitPython and its libraries is available on GitHub, where you can also report issues and contribute to the project.
Downloads are available from circuitpython.org. Downloads are no longer available from the GitHub release pages because of the large number of files for each release.
Source: Adafruit
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