MicroPython for Arduino

Simple to use MicroPython extension for Arduino microcontrollers.

Requirements

• Python 3.x (must be available on your PATH) Install

Getting Started

1. Open MicroPython for Arduino sidebar
2. Connect your microcontroller
3. Open local file
4. Run current file

1. Open REPL Console for direct communication
2. Soft Reset to restart the board and execute main.py if available
3. Doubleclick Boardfile to edit
4. Ctrl+S or Save Button to upload your changes

1. Files with local dependencies don't run on the board
2. Mount Workspace connects board to local workspace
3. Execute Soft Reset after changes in local dependencies

1. Install library
2. Use library with code completion

Supported Boards

• Arduino Nano ESP32
• Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect
• Arduino Giga R1

Dependencies

• micropython.js serial communication - Github Repository
• upy-packager library installation - Github Repository
• mpremote mount - Docs
• pylance IntelliSense - VS Code Extension

Features

Run Scripts

• Run current File: runs the currently open .py file directly on the board
• Run Selection: runs the selected code snippet
• Input and Output via Terminal

Control the Board

• Stop Board: interrupts a running script (sends Ctrl+C)
• Soft Reset: restarts the MicroPython runtime without physically disconnecting the board (sends Ctrl+D)
• Open REPL Console: opens an interactive Python terminal connected to the board

Board File System

• Browse files and folders on the board
• Open a board file (doubleclick) in Editor, edit it locally, and upload it back with the upload button or save command
• Rename, delete, and create files directly on the board
• Drag and drop move

Workspace

• Shows workspace with most important actions
• Drag and drop move

Concurrent Boards

• Extension allow multiple connections
• Connections handled via tabs. + connect, x disconnect
• Switch tab to access other board

Mount Workspace

• Mount Workspace connects your local VS Code workspace folder directly to the board's filesystem using mpremote mount.
• While mounted, files you save locally are immediately visible and executable on the board, no manual upload step needed.

How to use:

1. Click Mount Workspace in the sidebar. A terminal opens and the board connects in REPL mode.
2. Run files or interact with the REPL directly in that terminal.
3. When done, click Unmount (the same button) to cleanly disconnect.

While mount is active:

• Boardfile actions, Library install and uninstall are disabled. To manage libraries, unmount first.
• Soft Reset will remount the workspace and remove already imported dependencies.

Manage Libraries

• Search and install packages from the Arduino package index
• View and uninstall installed libraries
• Install custom packages via GitHub URL (e.g. github:user/repo@v1.0.0)

Code Support (Autocomplete)

• Set up board-specific MicroPython module stubs (machine, network, etc.) for Pylance/Pyright
• Generate type hints and autocomplete for installed libraries
• Overview over library code support in current workspace
• Regenerate Code Support in your workspace for current board

AI Support

• GitHub Copilot and Claude Code are supported.
• Can be activated in extension settings.
• .github/copilot-instructions.md is automatically generated with instructions on how to find dependencies that are in the current workspace.
• For other AIs just copy the generated instructions into their instruction file.

Troubleshooting

mpremote not found / installation fails. Run pip install mpremote manually in your terminal, then reload VS Code.

Python not found. Make sure Python is installed and added to your system PATH. You can verify with python --version in a terminal.

Win 32 ARM64 does not work. Install the x64 version of Visual Studio Code to use this extension.

Extension Settings