Transferring your program to the BBC micro:bit

Summary

This guide walks users through how to transfer their program to a BBC micro:bit in two simple steps. First, download your program from the MakeCode or Python editor as a .hex file. Then, connect your micro:bit to your computer via a micro USB cable. The micro:bit will appear as a USB drive on your computer. Once the file is transferred and the flashing light on the micro:bit stops, your program will be ready to test. It's a straightforward process to bring your micro:bit creations to life.

Takeaways

• 💾 Download your program from the MakeCode or Python editor as a '.hex' file.
• 🔌 Connect the micro:bit to your computer using a micro USB cable.
• 💡 The micro:bit will appear on your computer as a USB drive labeled 'MICROBIT'.
• 📂 Copy the downloaded '.hex' file to the MICROBIT drive to transfer the program.
• ✨ This process is called 'flashing' because the program is stored in the micro:bit's flash memory.
• 🔦 The LED light on the micro:bit will flash while the program is being copied.
• ✅ Once the flashing stops, the program is successfully transferred and ready to use.
• 🚀 You can now test your program on the micro:bit.
• 🔄 Re-flash the micro:bit with different programs by repeating the download and copy steps.
• 🖥️ Make sure to use a compatible editor like MakeCode or Python for creating the program.

Q & A

What is the first step to try out a program on the micro:bit?

The first step is to download the program from the editor on your computer as a '.hex' file.

What is a '.hex' file, and why is it important?

A '.hex' file is a format used to store the program so it can be transferred to the micro:bit. The micro:bit reads and executes this file.

What does the term 'flashing' mean in the context of the micro:bit?

Flashing refers to transferring the program to the micro:bit's flash memory, where it is stored and executed.

What type of cable is needed to connect the micro:bit to a computer?

You need a micro USB cable to connect the micro:bit to the USB port of your computer.

How does the micro:bit appear on the computer after being connected?

The micro:bit appears as a USB drive on the computer, and it is labeled as 'MICROBIT'.

What visual indicator shows that the program is being transferred to the micro:bit?

The light on the micro:bit flashes during the transfer process, indicating the program is being copied.

What happens when the flashing light on the micro:bit stops?

Once the flashing light stops, it means the program has been successfully transferred, and you can test your micro:bit creation.

Where is the program stored on the micro:bit?

The program is stored in the micro:bit's flash memory.

Can the program be downloaded from both MakeCode and Python editors?

Yes, the program can be downloaded as a '.hex' file from both MakeCode and Python editors.

What are the essential tools needed to transfer a program to the micro:bit?

You need a computer with an editor (like MakeCode or Python), a micro USB cable, and the micro:bit itself.