How to Setup micro:bit? – Getting Started with BBC micro:bit

If you have recently brought a micro:bit and are excited to use it to create interesting projects on it, then first let us guide you on how to do micro:bit setup before starting out to create projects. If the setup is done wrong then it might create some issues while creating projects. Keep reading on to setup your micro:bit with us.

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How to setup a micro:bit? 

In order to code any piece of hardware, we need a language in which we can communicate with the device and a medium through which we can do so. Coding is a set of instructions that we provide to a micro:bit to make it perform the desired action. You can program your micro:bit in the online MakeCode block, Python text editor, or Scratch editor. Visiting micro:bit’s “Let’s code” page, which will help you choose your preferred programming language.

You can start a project in micro:bit with either a computer with a web browser and internet access or a mobile phone or tablet with the free micro:bit app. To connect micro:bit to your computer, you need a micro USB cable to connect your micro:bit to your computer’s USB socket, and to connect micro:bit to your phone or tablet, turn on Bluetooth to connect to micro:bit wirelessly.

What is a micro:bit?

The Micro:bit is also referred to as the BBC Micro:bit since the BBC designed the device to encourage young people to become the digital innovators of the future. The device resembles the appearance of a credit card and has an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LED lights, and two programmable buttons, which can be powered either by a USB or an external battery pack. On the market, there are two types of micro:bits: micro:bit v1 and micro:bit v2.

The micro:bit was launched in 2014 in the United Kingdom by the BBC in collaboration with 29 other leaders. The micro:bit is primarily intended to teach children how to code. The major UK-wide product was launched in 2014, with a focus on creating the next generation of digital innovators. In early 2016, up to 1 million micro:bits were distributed to Year 7 students in non-formal education settings and libraries across the United Kingdom in a project led by BBC Education. In March 2020, there were more than 4 million micro:bits in the market across 60+ countries. The board is used by learners and educators across the world.

Microsoft MakeCode

The Microsoft MakeCode editor is the perfect way to start programming and create a project in micro:bit. Its block-based codes are familiar with Scratch, and you can also switch to JavaScript if you don’t want to use the block-based codes. You can either connect the micro:bit to your computer or laptop and see your code run in the micro:bit or use the micro:bit simulator that is provided in the MakeCode editor.

Simply click on the “Let’s code” page and click on the “go to MakeCode editor”. It’ll take you to the Microsoft MakeCode page. Here you can either create a new project from scratch or select one of the projects suggested by MakeCode, like a flashing heart, thermometer, name badge, counter, and many more!

Python Editor

Using the Python editor, you can deepen your knowledge of programming through text-based coding. Python is one of the most in-demand programming languages in today’s world. Micro:bit’s Python editor has a natural English-like structure, which helps learn the basics of coding. Write your code and connect your micro:bit to your computer to see your code run through it.

Simply click on the Let’s code page and click on the “go to Python editor”. It’ll directly take you to the Python editor page where you can start your coding. You can also select to work on projects suggested by the Python editor, like a nightlight, tilt alarm, activity picker, etc., designed for both beginners and advanced-level coders.

Scratch

Scratch is a visual programming language that enables children to make different types of fun and colorful projects, which include animations, games, stories, and much more. It has block-based codes that you have to drag and drop and arrange in a strategic manner to run your code. To start coding with Scratch, you can either download a HEX file to your computer and connect micro:bit with your Scratch offline editor or if you want to use Scratch online then you can simply add micro:bit from Scratch’s extensions.

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FAQs on micro:bit setup

The frequently asked questions regarding micro:bit setup are explained below:

What is micro:bit MakeCode?
Micro:bit MakeCode is a coding language by Microsoft that has a block-based coding interface. You can create projects using this language in micro:bit and run it through your device.

What are micro:bit projects?
Projects in micro:bit are fun animations,, design patterns or games that are made in micro:bit using the programming language of MakeCode, Python and Scratch.

Can I download micro:bit?
Yes, you can download micro:bit MakeCode offline application by Microsoft into your computer, phones, and laptops.

How to login to micro:bit?
There is no need to create an account in micro:bit. You can simply visit the official website and start a project using your preferred programming language.

What is Scratch micro:bit?
You can use the programming language of Scratch in micro:bit and vice-versa to create projects.

What is micro:bit v2?
micro:bit v2 is the latest version of micro:bit. It has larger memory than micro:bit v1, v2 has 512kB flash memory and 128kB RAM. micro:bit v2’s processor is Nordic Semiconductor nRF52833 which different than v1.

What is micro:bit Python?
In micro:bit, projects can be created using different programming languages and Python is one of the languages that can be used to create micro:bit projects.

micro:bit has been proven to be a good starting point for children interested in learning about coding as it provides them access to multiple programming languages at once for free. Now that you have setup your micro:bit, read our guide on how to create different types of projects on micro:bit.