MicroCode makes it possible to program the micro:bit V2 without the need for an extra computer or Internet connection. As shown above, the micro:bit slots into a (commercially available) shield that provides a color display and extra inputs. The MicroCode visual programming model is based on Kodu and targets children age 6-9, younger than the traditional audience for the micro:bit. MicroCode features:

Getting started

Regardless of whether you are using the Arcade shield or web app, you first need to download the (localized) MicroCode hex file to your micro:bit V2. There are two ways to do this:

  1. visit the web app and follow directions to connect your micro:bit and automatically download over WebUSB
  2. visit the localization section to download the MicroCode hex file to your computer and copy to your micro:bit V2 (plugged into your computer via USB).

Arcade shields

Three Arcade shields for the micro:bit V2 are available on the market today, as shown below. After downloading the MicroCode hex file to your micro:bit V2, whenever you plug the micro:bit into the Arcade Shield, MicroCode should start running. Your MicroCode program is always live and runnable. Once you remove the micro:bit from the shield, the program will persist and continue to run (assuming the micro:bit is still powered, of course).

Kittenbot's newbit Arcade shield ELECFREAK's micro:bit Arcade shield ICShopping's Game:bit Arcade shield
Small screen. No battery or battery pack included. 3.7V JST power jack on back. One Jacdac port. Assembly required. Small screen. AAA Battery pack on back. One Jacdac port. No assembly required. Large screen and 3d-printed enclosure with LiPo battery inside. Two Jacdac ports.

micro:bit Robots

Remote control a micro:bit robot using MicroCode to follow lines, avoid obstacles and more.

Photograph of the Cutebot

Jacdac accessories

Photograph of Jacdac kits

MicroCode recognizes many commercially-available Jacdac modules that allow you to extend the micro:bit device with LEDs, servos, and much more. In this video, we launch an LED animation when a clap is detected.

Localization

MicroCode is community translated through Crowdin. Please read on localization to get started.

Web editor

The MicroCode web editor is at https://microsoft.github.io/microcode/. We recommend using the keyboard navigation:

Automatic download to micro:bit V2

When the editor does not detect any micro:bit, it will automatically prompt you with instructions on how to connect. Once your micro:bit V2 is paired, the web editor will be able to download your MicroCode program to your micro:bit. This happens on every edit, so your program is always up-to-date (and running)!

If your micro:bit disconnects, you will see a micro:bit icon show up on the upper left corner of the editor. Click on that button to reconnect again.

Accessibility

We want to make the editor as accessible as possible; please send us suggestions to improve its accessibility.

Keyboard navigation

MicroCode can be accessed with the keyboard:

Gamepads

MicroCode supports game console controllers compatible with Web Gamepad.

Screen reader

The editor integrates with existing screen readers, like NVDA.

Tooltip read aloud

By clicking on the tooltip reader button at the bottom of the editor, the tooltips will be read aloud. This may be useful for students who are still learning to read.

Program slots disk icon 1 disk icon 2 disk icon 3

There are three slots for saving user programs for later load/restore. From the editor, click on the disk icon disk icon in the upper left to select which slot to save the current program to. From the home screen, select the disk icon to load a program from one of the three save slots.

Community

Contributing

This project is open source and welcomes contributions and suggestions at https://github.com/microsoft/microcode. Read the developer instructions.