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Re:MicroPython by mlyle on Sunday August 16, 2020 @07:30PM (#24182299)
There's a real advantage to having an interpreter.

Write your low-level/high performance code in whatever. Then write top-level logic-- and let your users script in-- micropython.

I'm teaching a middle school class this year with micropython on embedded. I can't fit Rust in with everything else I'm teaching in one trimester. I've even written an IDE which runs in the browser (on chromebook, etc) so there's no external dependencies for them.

Re:MicroPython by neilpanchal on Sunday August 16, 2020 @08:28PM (#24182603)
Exactly. All high level logic (no loops, massive arrays, and heavy arithmetic) can be written in Python. Overhead for C binding calls is minimal. The downsides related to undetectable slowless exceeds the utility and ease of development. Not to mention, over the air `upip` installs! If you have an ESP32/8266 or any wifi enabled chip, you can call:

  upip install foo
at runtime!
Re:MicroPython by mkesper on Monday August 17, 2020 @02:51AM (#24184672)
Which boards are you using and how did you chose them?
Re:MicroPython by mlyle on Monday August 17, 2020 @10:20AM (#24187481)
I designed a little board that shims under a standard ESP32 module and has capacitive touch, a couple channels of motor driving, MEMs gyros, and LEDs. I was able to get things to $5/unit at qty 50 (counting ESP32) this way and to get exactly what I needed.

My brother taught a robotics team where he used https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333 and was really happy with it... but I wanted something a little beefier and to have wireless options.