CircuitPython for Raspberry Pi and MCUs

Conclusions

Genuine cross-platform programming still does not work perfectly – even with CircuitPython, partly because of the lack of ports for individual libraries and partly because every platform works differently when you get into the details. However, porting overhead is reduced in all cases. If you look at the example in this article, you only need to change the way you define the button, and then the program will also run on the Trinket M0.

The biggest advantage of CircuitPython for the Raspberry Pi is easy access to many hardware components, regardless of whether you adopt the simpler programming model. Prototyping for MCUs is also often easier on the Raspberry Pi than directly on the corresponding hardware. Porting existing Python libraries is also far easier, because CircuitPython provides a stable API for accessing the classic I2C and SPI bus systems.

Programming fun is also crucial, though, and it is here that CircuitPython makes sure to lower the obstacles to getting started on a growing number of platforms.

The Author

Bernhard Bablok works at Allianz Technology SE as an SAP HR developer. When he's not listening to music, cycling or walking, he deals with topics related to Linux, programming and small computers. He can be reached at mailto:mail@bablokb.de.

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