Pi Pico to Codespaces Bridge

Code entirely in the cloud and push updates to your Pi Pico in real time. This bridge lets you build MicroPython projects for RP2040, RP2035, Teensy, ESP32 and BBC:MicroBit boards (including Raspberry Pi Pico, Pi Pico 2 and Pico W) from GitHub Codespaces or any VS Code environment with Web Serial API support, then upload instantly to your hardware.

🚀 Features

• Cloud-to-Device Bridge: Connect your local microcontroller to cloud-based development environments
• Web Serial Integration: Uses the browser's Web Serial API for device communication
• REPL Terminal: Interactive Python shell for real-time debugging
• File Management: Upload, download, and manage files on your device
• Code Execution: Run Python scripts directly on your microcontroller
• Project Sync: Synchronize entire project folders to the device
• Data Plotter: Visualize sensor data in real-time
• Enhanced Template Template: Designed for beginner developers, providing more detailed error feedback

📋 Requirements

Browser Support

This extension requires a browser with Web Serial API support:

• ✅ Google Chrome (recommended)
• ✅ Microsoft Edge
• ✅ Opera
• ❌ Firefox (not supported)
• ❌ Safari (not supported)

Device Support

• Raspberry Pi Pico / Pi Pico 2 / Pico W (with MicroPython firmware)
• ESP32 boards (with MicroPython firmware)
• Teensy (with MicroPython firmware)
• BBC:Micro (download *.bin)
• Any MicroPython-compatible device with USB serial

🔧 Installation

1. Install this extension from the VS Code Marketplace
2. Open a workspace with MicroPython project files
3. Click the Pico Bridge icon in the Activity Bar
4. Start the bridge server

🎯 Quick Start

1. Start the Server

Ctrl+Shift+P → "Pico Bridge: Start Server"

Or click the "Start Server" button in the Pico Bridge panel.

2. Open in Browser

The bridge interface will open in your default browser. This is required because Web Serial API only works in a browser context, not in VS Code webviews.

3. Connect Your Device

1. Click "Connect" in the browser interface
2. Select your Pico/ESP32 from the serial port list
3. You're now connected!

4. Run Code

• Use the terminal for REPL interaction
• Click "Run" to execute the current file
• Use "Sync" to upload your entire project

⚙️ Configuration

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

📁 Commands

🏗️ Architecture

            WebSocket                          Web Serial (USB)
┌───────────────────────────┐        ┌─────────────────────────────────┐        ┌──────────────────────────┐
│ GitHub Codespaces / VS Code│◄──────►│ Pico Bridge Browser UI          │◄──────►│  MicroPython Device      │
│ (Extension backend + server)│        │ (Chrome / Edge with Web Serial)│        │  (Pico / Pico W / ESP32) │
└──────────────┬─────────────┘        └──────────────┬─────────────────┘        └──────────────────────────┘
           │                                     │
           │ Node.js bridge server               │ Serial commands, REPL, plotter
           │                                     │
           ▼                                     ▼
    Extension commands & status           File manager, terminal, telemetry UI

Why External Browser? The Web Serial API is not available in VS Code webviews. The bridge interface must run in an external browser (Chrome/Edge) to access serial ports.

🐛 Troubleshooting

Server won't start

• Check if port 3000 is already in use
• Try a different port in settings
• Check the output panel for errors

Browser won't connect to device

• Make sure you're using Chrome or Edge
• Check that no other application is using the serial port
• Try unplugging and reconnecting the device

Files not syncing

• Ensure the device is connected in the browser
• Check that the project folder exists
• Verify file permissions

📝 License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

🤝 Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please read our contributing guidelines before submitting PRs.

📚 Resources

• MicroPython Documentation
• Raspberry Pi Pico Documentation
• Web Serial API