AI Tool Guides
Best for
Block and text coding for micro:bit
Works on
Browser
Alternatives
Scratch, Arduino IDE
Watch out
Simulator is excellent but real hardware adds motivation
What It Does
Microsoft MakeCode is a block-based and JavaScript/Python code editor designed for physical computing devices. The micro:bit version includes a built-in simulator so you can test programs without hardware. MakeCode also supports Arcade (retro game development), Circuit Playground Express (Adafruit), and other devices. The block-to-code toggle lets beginners start visually and transition to text-based programming.
Setup in 5 Minutes
—no account required.
- Choose New Project.
- Drag blocks from the toolbox or switch to JavaScript/Python mode.
- The simulator on the left runs your code in real time.
- If you have a physical micro:bit, click Download to flash
the code.
Try This
Build a "rock, paper, scissors" game using the on shake event and
random number blocks. Add a score counter that tracks wins across multiple
rounds. Then switch to Python view and read the generated code to
understand how blocks translate to text programming.
Follow Along
Follow Along — Build a Reaction Timer.
event.
- When pressed, wait a random delay (1–5 seconds), then display GO! on the LED matrix.
- Start a timer using input.runningTime() and wait for Button B.
- When Button B is pressed, calculate the elapsed time in milliseconds and display it.
- Challenge a friend: who has the fastest reaction? Switch to Python view to see the generated code.
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