Comparison
| MicroPython | CircuitPython | |
| Purpose | Optimized for microcontrollers | Simplified Python for educational and beginners |
| Development | Primarily for experienced developers | Beginner-friendly development environment |
| Resources | Designed for limited resources | Designed for ease of use and simplicity |
| Memory Footprint | Reduced memory usage | Slightly higher memory usage due to simplicity |
| Hardware Support | Supports a wide range of hardware | Focused on specific microcontroller platforms |
| Libraries | Limited built-in libraries | Extensive built-in libraries and modules |
| Language Features | Subset of Python syntax and features | Subset of Python with additional board support |
| Community Support | Active community and resources | Strong focus on educational and beginner support |
| Applications | Internet of Things (IoT), embedded | Education, prototyping, beginners in electronics |
Program written in both MicroPython and CircuitPython to blink an LED connected to pin GPIO 13 on an ESP32 board
Program in Python
import machine
import time
# Set up the GPIO pin
led_pin = machine.Pin(13, machine.Pin.OUT)
# Blink the LED
while True:
led_pin.on()
time.sleep(1)
led_pin.off()
time.sleep(1)
Program in CircuitPython
import board
import digitalio
import time
# Set up the GPIO pin
led_pin = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.D13)
led_pin.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT
# Blink the LED
while True:
led_pin.value = True
time.sleep(1)
led_pin.value = False
time.sleep(1)
MicroPython and CircuitPython have similarities, CircuitPython is specifically tailored for educational purposes and simplifying the programing experience, while MicroPython is more flexible and optimized for resource-constrained environments.
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