Getting Started with BBC micro:bit

Hardware BBC micro:bit / Guide

Getting Started with BBC micro:bit

Connect your micro:bit, choose a language, and run your first program.

What is the BBC micro:bit?

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized microcontroller designed for education, originally given to every Year 7 student in the UK in 2016. The current version (V2) packs an impressive set of built-in hardware:

  • Nordic nRF52833 ARM Cortex-M4 processor at 64 MHz
  • 512 KB Flash, 128 KB RAM
  • 5G—5 LED matrix display
  • 2 programmable buttons (A and B) plus a touch-sensitive logo
  • Accelerometer and magnetometer (compass)
  • Temperature sensor
  • Microphone and speaker (V2 only)
  • Bluetooth Low Energy and 2.4 GHz radio
  • Edge connector with 25 pins (5 large, 20 small)
  • USB and JST battery connector

Programming Options

The micro:bit supports several languages, all accessible from makecode.microbit.org or via the micro:bit Python Editor:

Language Best for Editor
MakeCode Blocks Absolute beginners, visual thinking makecode.microbit.org
MakeCode JavaScript Transition from blocks to code makecode.microbit.org
MicroPython Learners who prefer text coding python.microbit.org
C++ (CODAL) Advanced users / custom hardware Mbed or PlatformIO

This guide covers MicroPython ߀” ideal for students who have some Python experience.

Connecting the micro:bit

  1. Use a Micro-USB cable to connect the micro:bit to your computer
  2. The micro:bit appears as a USB drive named MICROBIT
  3. Open python.microbit.org in Chrome or Edge (or install the Mu editor)

Your First Python Program

from microbit import *

while True:
    display.show(Image.HAPPY)
    sleep(1000)
    display.show(Image.SAD)
    sleep(1000)
  1. Type the code into python.microbit.org
  2. Click Download ߀” a .hex file is saved
  3. Drag and drop the .hex file onto the MICROBIT drive
  4. The yellow LED flashes briefly during flashing, then your program runs

Alternative: Flash Directly with WebUSB

In Chrome/Edge, connect the micro:bit and click Connect in python.microbit.org. You can then click Flash directly without downloading a file.

The REPL (Serial Console)

The micro:bit has a serial REPL accessible at 115200 baud. In python.microbit.org, click the REPL tab. This lets you run Python commands interactively.

>>> from microbit import temperature
>>> temperature()
23

MakeCode Blocks Example

In MakeCode, the equivalent of the above Python in blocks is:

  • on start: (nothing needed)
  • forever: show icon ß™¥ ߆’ pause 1000 ms ߆’ show icon p?’€ ߆’ pause 1000 ms

MakeCode generates JavaScript and compiles it to the micro:bit automatically.

Powering the micro:bit

  • USB ߀” power and program via your computer
  • Battery pack ߀” 2G— AAA batteries in the JST connector (no USB needed)
  • Edge connector 3 V pin ߀” power from an external 3 V regulated supply

The micro:bit runs at 3.3 V. All GPIO pins are 3.3 V only.

Important Pin Notes

The edge connector has 5 large "ring" pins:

Pin Function
0 GPIO / analog input / touch
1 GPIO / analog input / touch
2 GPIO / analog input / touch
3V 3.3 V power output
GND Ground

The smaller pins (3߀“22, plus SPI/I2C/UART) are accessible with an edge connector breakout board.

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