November 23rd, 2024

Ask HN: What is your RP 2040 development environment?

The RP2040 microcontroller is popular, with boards like the Fig-Pi featuring JST/SH connectors. Circuit Python and MicroPython are preferred for education, while MaxiMite Basic and Lua are effective programming options.

Ask HN: What is your RP 2040 development environment?

The RP2040 microcontroller has gained popularity, with various boards available, including the anticipated RP2350 boards. A favored option is the Fig-Pi board, which features JST/SH connectors for easier component integration compared to traditional protoboards. For development environments, Circuit Python is preferred, especially for teaching students aged 12 and under, due to its simplicity and compatibility with Adafruit products. MicroPython is also recognized as a viable alternative. The MaxiMite Basic, which has been adapted for the RP2040, offers an accessible editor for programming. Additionally, Lua has a well-regarded port available on GitHub, while Forth, an early programming language, is supported by the Mecrisp-Stellaris Port, which includes useful features for debugging GPIO interfaces. The discussion invites others to share their experiences and tools for RP2040 development.

- The RP2040 microcontroller is popular, with various boards available, including the upcoming RP2350.

- The Fig-Pi board is highlighted for its JST/SH connectors, facilitating easier component integration.

- Circuit Python and MicroPython are favored development environments, especially for educational purposes.

- MaxiMite Basic and Lua are also mentioned as effective programming options for the RP2040.

- The Mecrisp-Stellaris Port for Forth provides useful debugging features for GPIO interfaces.

Link Icon 4 comments
By @evs91 - 5 months
Still the good ol' Arduino IDE for regular stuff and I've been dabbling in going full platform.io but change is hard
By @throwaway36799 - 5 months
gcc, make, no sdk and no libc. baremetal all the way, yeehaw
By @roland35 - 5 months
With kids id probably try Arduino. I personally prefer c and make/cmake/meson
By @is_taken - 5 months
Jetbrain's CLion with the pico sdk. Yeah, that means C.