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  • Author Author: balearicdynamics
  • Date Created: 15 Jun 2016 9:48 AM Date Created
  • Views 813 views
  • Likes 6 likes
  • Comments 3 comments
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BBC micro:bit Start coding

balearicdynamics
balearicdynamics
15 Jun 2016

It is difficult playing with the BBC micro:bit keeping an objective view without enthusiasm.

As much you go in depth discovering the device features as much it is difficult to find limits in this smart device. Especially trying to think like a 7+ y.o. child, approaching for the first time the world of software and micro controllers.

 

In my opinion the greatest value added of the micro:bit is the availability of an enjoying and game-like environment through which young guys can learn things. And as needs becomes more complex, as much the micro:bit demonstrates to be the right choice with full coverage of its educational role.

image

Block coding, then ?

After entering to the main page of the micro:bit site you have two main options: create code or watch video. The second option address the user to a large number of educational units, videos, documentation and examples while the create code option opens a door to the user to start a great adventure.

image

From Javascript to MicroPython, Block coding or the  approach of help-driven source coding offered by the Touch Develop option any user can find the right development environment that better fit his skill level. It is a fact that the block editor remain the most interesting approach to coding but a depth check is needed for a correct evaluation. We know that now always very easy implies powerful and flexible. So let us to take a look in depth to the block editor.

Connecting the micro:bit to the computer

The way the user can flash the micro:bit micro-controller firmware from his computer is easy (and sure, not new and well tested in other environments). As you connect with the USB cable - not provided - the micro:bit and the computer it is automatically powered (no battery is needed while programming) and the desktop recognises it as a storage device just like a memory stick. This very easy step grants the device working on almost any platform; we have tested on Linux, OSX and Windows7, Windows10 with always the same good result.

image

Well, all that is needed to connect the device and programming is done:)

What should we start with? We can chose between a lot of examples, but - obviously - the better ones remain those published in 10 BBC micro:bit Projects in 10 Days To make the things easy, I just started with the puling heart. But it is better to tell the story by images, don't you think ?

 

1. The editor just opened: the different set of instructions (blocks) colour-coded are very useful to the left as well the device simulator to the right

image

2. The first block: easier to do than explain. And in every moment just pressing the play button to see on the simulator how the program is working

An interesting detail is that all the features are well emulated, including the frequency player.

image

 

3. The very responsive interface of the editor including zooming, moving on the workbench and accessing the left toolbar instruction set (blocks image ) makes programming pretty similar to an online game

imageimage

 

4. adding pieces of code blocks is very useful and keeping under control the program assembly checking periodically the emulator is a great help

image

 

5. Press the "Compile" button and that's all!

The hex (compiled) program is downloaded automatically to your computer. You should just copy it in the micro:bit folder and as the copy is finished the device restarts and your program runs !

image

image

 

For your reference the other RoadTest articles links:

BBC micro:bit The first power-on

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Top Comments

  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 9 years ago +2
    It is difficult playing with the BBC micro:bit keeping an objective view without enthusiasm. Perfect! I prefer the enthusiast's way
  • clem57
    clem57 over 9 years ago +1
    Does the program "disappear" from the micro:bit folder sometime after the drag and drop? Clem
  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 9 years ago

    It is difficult playing with the BBC micro:bit keeping an objective view without enthusiasm.

    Perfect! I prefer the enthusiast's way image

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  • balearicdynamics
    balearicdynamics over 9 years ago in reply to clem57

    Yes. The exact behaviour is determined at the boot point, when the device check for the presence in the memory area that through the USB is shown as storage, for the precenof a firmware update. This is the role covered by the mbed component: I will discuss of this in the next article. Anyway it is very interesting that as much in depth you want to go, as much you find easy information and details until how the processor and its internal firmware works, what the mbed layer do etc.

     

    BTW The mbed approach is the same like many mobile devices (and the old Nokia mobiles) that after going in maintenace mode, the further restart check for the presence of firmware somewhere in the non volatile memory.

     

    Enrico

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  • clem57
    clem57 over 9 years ago

    Does the program "disappear" from the micro:bit folder sometime after the drag and drop?

    Clem

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