What is MicroPython?
According to the official website MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language that includes a small subset of the Python standard library and is optimised to run on microcontrollers and in constrained environments.
The MicroPython pyboard is a compact electronic circuit board that runs MicroPython on the bare metal, giving you a low-level Python operating system that can be used to control all kinds of electronic projects.
MicroPython is packed full of advanced features such as an interactive prompt, arbitrary precision integers, closures, list comprehension, generators, exception handling and more. Yet it is compact enough to fit and run within just 256k of code space and 16k of RAM.
MicroPython aims to be as compatible with normal Python as possible to allow you to transfer code with ease from the desktop to a microcontroller or embedded system.
Is MicroPython a programming language?
Yes, MicroPython is a programming language. It’s a lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language, specifically designed to run on microcontrollers and other embedded systems. While it shares a similar syntax and structure with Python, it’s optimized for resource-constrained environments.
MicroPython is Python specified for hardware
MicroPython is a complete Python compiler and runtime that can run on the microcontrollers. You have an interactive prompt (the REPL) to execute and test commands immediately, along with the ability to run and import scripts from the built-in filesystem. The REPL has history, tab completion, auto-indent and paste mode for a great user experience.
MicroPython strives to be as compatible as possible with normal Python (known as CPython) so that if you know Python you already know MicroPython. On the other hand, the more you learn about MicroPython the better you become at Python.
In addition to implementing a selection of core Python libraries, in MicroPython we have modules such as “machine” to access low-level hardware.
Comparing Hardware Features of ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, AVR and RP2040
Here we will see a hardware-level comparison of ESP32, ESP8266, and classic microcontroller families like STM32, AVR (e.g., ATmega328P), and one more modern choice: the RP2040 (used in Raspberry Pi Pico). This will help us see their differences in performance, features, and intended use cases.
🔍 Summary Comparison Table (Hardware Features)
| Feature | ESP32 | ESP8266 | STM32F103 (Blue Pill) | AVR ATmega328P (Arduino Uno) | RP2040 (Raspberry Pi Pico) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Xtensa LX6 (dual-core) | Xtensa L106 (single-core) | ARM Cortex-M3 (32-bit) | AVR 8-bit RISC | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Clock Speed | 160–240 MHz | 80 MHz | 72 MHz | 16 MHz | 133 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB (typical, external) | 1–4 MB (external) | 64–256 KB (on-chip) | 32 KB | 2 MB |
| RAM | ~520 KB SRAM | ~80 KB SRAM | 20 KB | 2 KB | 264 KB |
| Wi-Fi | ✅ Yes (built-in) | ✅ Yes (built-in) | ❌ External module needed | ❌ External module needed | ❌ External module needed |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes (Classic + BLE) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| GPIOs | ~34 | ~17 | 37 | 23 | 26 |
| ADC | 12-bit (18 channels) | 10-bit (1 channel) | 12-bit (10 channels) | 10-bit (6 channels) | 12-bit (3 channels) |
| DAC | ✅ 2 channels | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ 2 channels (PWM-based) |
| PWM | ✅ Yes (all GPIOs) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| UART / I2C / SPI | ✅ Multiple | ✅ One each | ✅ Multiple | ✅ One each | ✅ Multiple |
| USB | ❌ (except ESP32-S2) | ❌ | ❌ (needs external chip) | ❌ (uses USB-Serial chip) | ✅ Native USB (Device/Host) |
| Power Consumption | Moderate (with sleep modes) | Low | Very low | Very low | Moderate (efficient sleep) |
| Cost (USD) | ~$3–6 | ~$2–4 | ~$2–5 | ~$2–4 | ~$4 |
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💡 Key Strengths and Use Cases
🟦 ESP32
• Dual-core, powerful, and loaded with peripherals.
• Best for IoT, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth devices, web servers, home automation.
• Can run MicroPython, Arduino, or native ESP-IDF.
• Has a ULP co-processor for ultra-low power tasks.
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🟩 ESP8266
• Simpler than ESP32, still powerful for Wi-Fi tasks.
• Good for lightweight IoT, smart switches, sensors, HTTP clients.
• Low cost, good community support.
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🟨 STM32F1 Series (e.g., Blue Pill)
• Cortex-M3 is a solid 32-bit MCU with real-time capability.
• No wireless by default, but very efficient, low-power, and stable.
• Often used in industrial, robotics, or low-level embedded systems.
• Bare-metal programming, RTOS, or STM32Cube tools.
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🟥 AVR ATmega328P
• 8-bit, simple, reliable.
• Found in Arduino Uno; excellent for learning, basic I/O, and timing-critical projects.
• Limited RAM/flash, no native wireless.
• Best for legacy, simple, or ultra-low-power tasks.
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🟪 RP2040 (Raspberry Pi Pico)
• Dual-core Cortex-M0+, modern, fast, and flexible.
• No built-in wireless, but excellent I/O, PIO, and USB support.
• Designed for hobbyists, education, and prototyping.
• Supports C/C++, MicroPython, CircuitPython.
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🚀 Summary: When to Choose What
Use Case Best Choice
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi IoT with Bluetooth | ESP32 |
| Basic IoT / Smart Devices | ESP8266 |
| Industrial/RTOS Embedded | STM32 |
| Simple logic / education | AVR / Arduino Uno |
| Modern microcontroller education | RP2040 |
| Python scripting on MCU | ESP32 / RP2040 (MicroPython) |
| Tight performance or timing | STM32 / RP2040 (PIO) |
Benefits of using MicroPython for programming ESP8266 and ESP32
Programming the ESP8266 and ESP32 with MicroPython offers several benefits, especially for developers looking for simplicity, rapid prototyping, or educational purposes. Here’s a breakdown of why you might choose MicroPython for these microcontrollers:
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✅ 1. Python Simplicity
• MicroPython uses a subset of Python 3, making it much easier to write and understand than C/C++ (used in Arduino or native SDKs).
• Ideal for beginners, educators, or anyone already familiar with Python.
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✅ 2. Rapid Development & Testing
• Interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) over USB or Wi-Fi lets you test code line-by-line, without compiling and uploading.
• Great for debugging, learning, and iterating quickly.
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✅ 3. Lightweight and Tailored for Microcontrollers
• MicroPython is specifically designed to run efficiently on low-resource devices like ESP8266 (with ~40kB RAM).
• ESP32, with more power and RAM, supports even more MicroPython features like multithreading, Bluetooth, etc.
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✅ 4. Cross-Platform and Portable Code
• MicroPython runs on multiple boards: ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico, STM32, etc.
• Code can often be reused across different hardware platforms with minimal changes.
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✅ 5. Built-in Support for Hardware Features
• MicroPython supports:
o GPIO, PWM, ADC, I2C, SPI, UART
o Networking (Wi-Fi, sockets, HTTP)
o Timers, interrupts, file system (on internal flash or SD card)
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✅ 6. Filesystem and Scripting
• ESP boards running MicroPython expose a filesystem (usually via LittleFS or SPIFFS).
• You can store and manage multiple scripts (main.py, boot.py, etc.), configuration files, and logs directly on the device.
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✅ 7. Vibrant Community & Libraries
• Many community-contributed libraries are available for sensors, displays, and protocols.
• Projects like uPyCraft, Thonny, and WebREPL make development even easier.
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❗ When MicroPython Might Not Be Ideal:
• If you need very tight performance, low-level memory control, or real-time constraints, C/C++ with ESP-IDF or Arduino might be better.
• MicroPython’s runtime adds a small overhead compared to native code.
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Summary Table
| Feature | MicroPython | Arduino C/C++ |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Python 3 subset | C/C++ |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate to high |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Flash Size | Small (~600 KB+) | Smaller |
| Development Cycle | Fast (no compile/upload needed) | Slower (compile & upload) |
| Debugging | Interactive REPL | Serial print / debugger |
| Community Support | Strong | Very strong |
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If you’re building IoT devices, learning embedded programming, or just want to get quick results with Wi-Fi-enabled boards like ESP8266/ESP32, MicroPython is an excellent choice.
Why ESP32’s Built-In Wi-Fi and MicroPython Make IoT Development So Easy?
One of the standout features of the ESP32 is its built-in Wi-Fi, which has made it incredibly popular in the world of IoT. What really sets it apart, though, is how simple it is to get Wi-Fi working using MicroPython. Compared to the traditional Arduino approach—where you have to write and manage more complex C/C++ code—MicroPython lets you connect to Wi-Fi with just a few lines of easy-to-understand Python. This means faster development, fewer headaches, and a much gentler learning curve for beginners and hobbyists alike.
After diving into the market of active IoT products like smart light bulbs, smart switches, and other connected devices, it’s clear that most rely on either the ESP8266 or ESP32 as their main controller. These chips are popular because they’re affordable and come packed with built-in Wi-Fi, making hardware design simpler and cheaper. By using MicroPython on these devices, you can turn your ideas into real, working prototypes much more quickly—and who knows, you might even build the next great IoT product that people want to buy.
