Calsci: Scientific Programmable Calculator Extension
Welcome to Calsci! This extension transforms Visual Studio Code into a powerful development environment for the Calsci Scientific Programmable Calculator, an ESP32-based device running MicroPython.
Build, test, and upload your own custom calculator apps, functions, and tools with a seamless, one-click workflow.
Visit the official website: calsci.io
See it in Action
Here's a visual guide to the Calsci Extension's user interface:
🚀 Key Features
- 🐍 MicroPython Powered: Leverage the full power and simplicity of MicroPython to create complex scientific and mathematical applications.
- 💻 Integrated App Management:
- Make App: Instantly scaffold a new
app.py in your workspace.
- Edit App: Use the full power of VS Code's editor to write your code.
- Upload App: Flash your application to the ESP32 with a single click.
- Choose File: Upload any Python file (not just
app.py) to your device.
- ⚡ Interactive Testing:
- Open REPL: Open a direct REPL session with your device to test code live.
- Device Info: Quickly check firmware, memory, and other device details.
- ☁️ Calsci Cloud (Coming Soon!):
- Sign in to your Calsci account.
- Upload your finished apps to the Calsci Appstore to back them up or share them with the community.
- 🔌 Smart Device Detection: The extension automatically shows your device's connection status in the sidebar and status bar.
✅ Requirements
To use this extension, you will need:
- Visual Studio Code (v1.105.0 or higher)
- A Calsci-compatible ESP32 device
- Python 3 installed on your computer
- mpremote: This extension uses
mpremote in the background. Install it on your system with pip:
pip install mpremote
Workflow: Your First App in 60 Seconds
Connect your Calsci (ESP32) device via USB.
Open the Calsci Sidebar in VS Code (click the Calsci icon in the Activity Bar).
Click Make App and select a folder. An app.py file will be created and opened.
Write your MicroPython code.
# app.py
def my_cool_function(x):
return x * x
print("My custom app is running!")
Click Upload App. The extension will automatically find your app.py and send it to the device.
Click Open REPL to interact with your code live and test your new function.
🛠️ How it Works (Under the Hood)
This extension is built using Node.js and JavaScript (TypeScript) for the VS Code API. It provides a clean graphical interface for powerful command-line tools.
When you click "Upload App," the extension doesn't reinvent the wheel. It uses Node.js's child_process module to run mpremote commands in the background.
Make App simply creates a file using VS Code's workspace API.Upload App runs a command like mpremote cp app.py :app.py against the auto-detected serial port.Open REPL launches mpremote repl inside an integrated VS Code terminal, giving you direct access.
This approach combines the robust, official MicroPython tool (mpremote) with the user-friendly UI of VS Code.
📚 Useful Resources
