Introduction to Arduino to MicroPython

Quick start guide for Arduino developers learning MicroPython

Welcome!

You already know how to make LEDs blink, read sensors, and control motors with Arduino C++. Now it’s time to learn MicroPython - a powerful alternative that can make your projects faster to develop and easier to maintain.

This course is designed specifically for Arduino developers like you. We’ll use side-by-side code comparisons so you can see exactly how your Arduino knowledge translates to MicroPython.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• ✅ Write MicroPython code for microcontrollers
• ✅ Control hardware (pins, ADC, PWM) with Python
• ✅ Choose between C++ and Python for your projects
• ✅ Build IoT projects with WiFi
• ✅ Create robot control systems in Python

Target Hardware

This course works with any of these boards:

• Arduino Nano ESP32 - Arduino with WiFi and MicroPython support
• Raspberry Pi Pico W - Popular, affordable, WiFi-enabled
• Raspberry Pi Pico 2W - Faster version with WiFi

All examples will work on these boards with minimal changes.

Prerequisites

You should already know:

• Arduino C++ programming
• Basic electronics (LEDs, resistors, breadboards)
• How to upload sketches to Arduino

You do NOT need:

• Python experience (we’ll teach you!)
• Linux or command line knowledge
• Advanced programming skills

What You’ll Need

Hardware:

• One of the boards listed above
• USB cable
• LEDs, resistors, breadboard
• (Optional) Sensors and modules you already have

Software:

• Thonny IDE - Free, beginner-friendly editor
• MicroPython firmware - Already installed if you followed our MicroPython Installation Course

Not installed yet? Check out our quick installation guide: How to Install MicroPython

Course Structure

Section 1: Getting Started (2 lessons) Quick introduction and why MicroPython matters

Section 2: Language Fundamentals (4 lessons) Learn Python syntax with Arduino comparisons

Section 3: Hardware Basics (3 lessons) Control pins, ADC, PWM, and timing

Section 4: Practical Projects (3 lessons) Build real IoT and robotics projects

Total time: 2-3 hours for complete course

How This Course Works

Side-by-Side Comparisons

Every concept shows Arduino C++ and MicroPython side by side:

Arduino C++:

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);
  delay(1000);
}

MicroPython:

from machine import Pin
import time

led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)

while True:
    led.on()
    time.sleep(1)
    led.off()
    time.sleep(1)

Try It Yourself

Each lesson includes hands-on exercises you can do with your board.

Keep It Simple

We focus on practical skills, not theory. You’ll learn by doing.

Why Learn MicroPython?

Faster development:

• No compile time - run code instantly
• Interactive REPL for testing
• Change code without re-uploading

Easier to read:

• Less boilerplate
• Clearer syntax
• Better for beginners teaching others

Powerful features:

• Built-in WiFi libraries (on ESP32/Pico W)
• File system for data logging
• Easy string manipulation

When to still use Arduino C++:

• Need microsecond timing
• Very limited RAM
• Existing Arduino libraries you need

Ready to Start?

In the next lesson, we’ll explore why MicroPython is worth learning and when to use it versus Arduino C++.

Let’s go!

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