Introducing MicroCode - Visual coding for the micro:bit V2

Labs
1

MicroCode

MicroCode is a simple, icon-based, visual code editor for the micro:bit V2. The goal of MicroCode is to make it so simple to code a micro:bit, you could almost do it by accident. MicroCode lowers the barrier of entry in several important ways:

  • Purely visual language. Coding is done by placing icons on trays to build rules in the form of “WHEN this - DO that”.
  • Continuous deployment. As you edit your code, the changes are streamed to your connected micro:bit in real-time. No copying of hex files or clicking a download button.
  • No PC required. Kids can program the micro:bit directly using an Arcade Shield accessory (like this one from KittenBot).
  • Accessibility. The MicroCode editor was designed for use with accessibility systems like NVDA Screen Reader and Hitch 2 Switch Box.
  • Designed for K-3. MicroCode makes it easy for anyone to create an interesting micro:bit program with just a few button clicks. It encourages trial and error. It doesn’t require skill in reading or writing. It doesn’t require dexterity with a mouse or familiarity with a keyboard. These features make MicroCode more accessible to younger learners, and consequently to more people of all ages and abilities.

Please give it a try, and let us know what you think!

MicroCode editor: https://aka.ms/m9
User Guide: https://microsoft.github.io/microcode/docs/manual
GitHub: https://github.com/microsoft/microcode

microcode-anim

microcode-shield-1

10 Likes
2

BROO HOW DID YOU DO THIS (had to put this)

2 Likes
3

Just another little Arcade program…

2 Likes
4

Yeah, another arcade program? That’s totally TypeScript! I can’t believe that you guys made this using Arcade!

3 Likes
5

The user interface, compiler an assembler in typescript; the Jacscript virtual machine and Jacdac stack is in C.

3 Likes
6

poggerrrrsssssss

7

BUT IT WORKS WITH TOUCH SCREEN THo

8

Yeah I could make something like that if I wanted and had the motivation to actually do it. Makecode has it’s limits and yes it is easier to make some games than others but you can be very creative and make some really cool stuff like this.

3 Likes
9

interesting