Next Steps and Quick Reference

Course summary, quick reference guide for converting Arduino C++ to MicroPython, and resources for continuing your learning journey

Congratulations!

You’ve completed the Arduino to MicroPython course! You now understand the key differences between Arduino C++ and MicroPython, and you’ve built two complete projects demonstrating IoT and robotics applications.

Let’s review what you’ve learned and where to go next.

What You’ve Learned

Core Concepts:

• Python syntax vs C++ syntax (no semicolons, indentation matters)
• Variables and types (dynamic typing)
• Control flow (if/elif/else, for/while loops)
• Functions (def keyword, no return types)
• Classes and object-oriented programming

Hardware Control:

• Digital pin control (Pin class)
• Analog reading (ADC class)
• PWM output (PWM class)
• Timing and delays (time module)

Communication:

• Serial output with print()
• Interactive REPL debugging
• WiFi networking
• Web servers

Projects:

• IoT temperature monitor with web interface
• Robot with obstacle avoidance and motor control

Quick Reference Guide

Arduino C++ to MicroPython Conversion

Basic Syntax:

Control Flow:

Functions:

Digital I/O:

Analog I/O:

Timing:

Serial/Print:

Common Conversions:

# Arduino delay to MicroPython
delay(1000)           → time.sleep(1)          # 1 second
delay(500)            → time.sleep(0.5)        # 0.5 seconds
delay(100)            → time.sleep(0.1)        # 0.1 seconds
delayMicroseconds(10) → time.sleep_us(10)      # 10 microseconds

# Arduino PWM to MicroPython
analogWrite(pin, 0)    → pwm.duty_u16(0)      # Off
analogWrite(pin, 64)   → pwm.duty_u16(16384)  # 25%
analogWrite(pin, 128)  → pwm.duty_u16(32768)  # 50%
analogWrite(pin, 191)  → pwm.duty_u16(49152)  # 75%
analogWrite(pin, 255)  → pwm.duty_u16(65535)  # 100%

# Arduino ADC to voltage (5V, 10-bit)
voltage = (analogRead(A0) / 1023.0) * 5.0

# MicroPython ADC to voltage (3.3V, 16-bit)
voltage = (adc.read_u16() / 65535) * 3.3

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

1. Milliseconds vs Seconds

# WRONG - waits 1000 seconds!
time.sleep(1000)

# RIGHT - waits 1 second
time.sleep(1)

# If you're thinking in milliseconds:
time.sleep_ms(1000)  # 1000 milliseconds = 1 second

2. Boolean Values

# WRONG - lowercase won't work
flag = true

# RIGHT - capitalize
flag = True

3. Indentation Errors

# WRONG - inconsistent indentation
if x > 10:
  print("Big")
    print("Really big")  # Error!

# RIGHT - consistent 4 spaces
if x > 10:
    print("Big")
    print("Really big")

4. Pin Numbers

# Different boards use different pin numbers!

# Pico / Pico 2W - use GP numbers
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)  # GP25

# Pico W - built-in LED is special
led = Pin("LED", Pin.OUT)

# Arduino Nano ESP32 - use Arduino numbers
led = Pin(13, Pin.OUT)  # D13

5. ADC Resolution

# Arduino gives 0-1023
# MicroPython gives 0-65535
# Don't compare directly!

# Convert MicroPython to Arduino range:
arduino_value = adc.read_u16() >> 6  # Shift right 6 bits

When to Use Each Language

Use MicroPython when:

• Rapid prototyping and development
• IoT projects with WiFi/networking
• Interactive debugging with REPL
• Complex data processing
• You’re more comfortable with Python
• Learning programming/robotics

Use Arduino C++ when:

• Maximum performance required
• Ultra-low power battery operation
• Microsecond-level timing critical
• Using Arduino-specific libraries
• Working with existing C++ codebase
• Very tight memory constraints

Both work great for:

• LED control and animations
• Sensor reading
• Motor control
• Simple robotics
• Home automation
• Educational projects

Hardware Recommendations

Best MicroPython Boards:

1. Raspberry Pi Pico W ($6)
   • Great value, WiFi built-in
   • Huge community support
   • Perfect for learning
2. Raspberry Pi Pico 2W ($7)
   • Faster processor than Pico W
   • More memory
   • Future-proof
3. Arduino Nano ESP32 ($20)
   • Familiar Arduino form factor
   • Powerful ESP32-S3 processor
   • WiFi and Bluetooth
4. ESP32-C3/C6/S3 boards ($5-15)
   • Various form factors
   • Great WiFi performance
   • Good for IoT projects

Recommended Next Courses

Continue your MicroPython journey:

Micropython Learning Pathway

Additional Resources

Official Documentation:

• MicroPython Documentation
• Raspberry Pi Pico Python SDK
• Arduino MicroPython

Community:

• MicroPython Forum
• Raspberry Pi Forums
• Reddit r/micropython

Tools:

• Thonny IDE - Best beginner IDE for MicroPython
• PyCharm with MicroPython plugin
• VS Code with Pico-W-Go

Books:

• “Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico in MicroPython” by Simon Monk
• “MicroPython for the Internet of Things” by Charles Bell
• “Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico” by Gareth Halfacree

Quick Start Template

Save this as your starting point for new MicroPython projects:

"""
Project Name: [Your Project Name]
Description: [Brief description]
Hardware: [Board type and components]
"""

from machine import Pin, PWM, ADC
import time

# Configuration
LED_PIN = 25
BUTTON_PIN = 14

# Hardware setup
led = Pin(LED_PIN, Pin.OUT)
button = Pin(BUTTON_PIN, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_UP)

# Global variables
running = True

def setup():
    """Initialize hardware and print status"""
    print("=" * 50)
    print("Project: [Your Project Name]")
    print("=" * 50)

    # Startup blink
    for i in range(3):
        led.toggle()
        time.sleep(0.2)

    led.off()
    print("Ready!")

def loop():
    """Main program loop"""
    while running:
        # Your code here
        if button.value() == 0:
            led.on()
        else:
            led.off()

        time.sleep(0.1)

def main():
    """Main program entry point"""
    try:
        setup()
        loop()
    except KeyboardInterrupt:
        print("\nStopping...")
    finally:
        led.off()
        print("Cleanup complete")

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

Final Thoughts

You’re now equipped to:

• Convert any Arduino project to MicroPython
• Choose the right language for your project
• Debug MicroPython code effectively
• Build IoT and robotics projects
• Continue learning advanced topics

Remember:

• MicroPython is about rapid development and readability
• Don’t be afraid to use the REPL for experimenting
• Start simple, add complexity gradually
• Share your projects with the community!

The biggest advantage of MicroPython?

You can type commands directly to your hardware and see instant results. No compile, no upload - just immediate feedback. This makes learning and debugging dramatically faster than traditional Arduino development.

Your Next Project Ideas

Try building one of these:

1. Smart Plant Monitor - Soil moisture sensor, automatic watering, web dashboard
2. Weather Station - Temperature, humidity, pressure sensors with data logging
3. Line-Following Robot - IR sensors, motor control, autonomous navigation
4. Home Security System - Motion sensors, camera, notifications
5. WiFi-Controlled LED Strip - RGB LED control via web interface
6. Temperature-Controlled Fan - Automatic fan speed based on temperature
7. Door Sensor with Notifications - Send alerts when door opens
8. Solar Tracker - Light sensors control servo to follow the sun
9. Game Controller - Buttons and joysticks over WiFi
10. Pet Feeder - Scheduled feeding with servo and timer

Course Summary

Lesson 1: Why choose MicroPython vs Arduino C++ Lesson 2: Syntax basics - variables, types, comments Lesson 3: Control flow - if/elif/else, loops, no braces Lesson 4: Functions - def keyword, no setup/loop required Lesson 5: Pin control - Pin class, digital I/O Lesson 6: Analog and PWM - ADC and PWM classes Lesson 7: Timing - seconds vs milliseconds (critical!) Lesson 8: Serial and REPL - print() and interactive debugging Lesson 9: IoT project - WiFi temperature monitor Lesson 10: Robot project - Motor control and sensors Lesson 11: This lesson - reference guide and next steps

Thank You!

Thank you for completing this course! You’ve taken a big step in expanding your microcontroller programming skills. MicroPython opens up new possibilities for rapid prototyping, IoT development, and creative projects.

Keep learning, keep building, and most importantly - have fun!

If you found this course helpful, consider exploring other courses on this site and joining the maker community. Share your projects, ask questions, and help others learn.

Happy Making!

< Previous

You can use the arrows  ← → on your keyboard to navigate between lessons.