![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-ide-micropython-esp32-esp8266.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe’ve experimented with several IDEs to program the ESP32 and ESP8266 boards using MicroPython, and Thonny seemed a good choice. Although there are some bugs, it is constantly being updated and improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It allows you to program your ESP32 and ESP8266 boards with MicroPython, and it is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It even comes installed by default on the Raspberry Pi OS. Additionally, it’s easy to install, so you shouldn\u2019t have problems with the installation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, you may want to check the following compilation of MicroPython-compatible IDEs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- MicroPython IDEs for ESP32 and ESP8266<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is MicroPython?<\/h1>\n\n\n
\n![\"MicroPython](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Micropython-logo.svg-Copy.png?resize=250%2C254&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMicroPython is a Python 3 programming language re-implementation targeted for microcontrollers and embedded systems. MicroPython is very similar to regular Python. Apart from a few exceptions, the language features of Python are also available in MicroPython. The most significant difference between Python and MicroPython is that MicroPython was designed to work under constrained conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of that, MicroPython does not come with the entire pack of standard libraries. It only includes a small subset of the Python standard libraries, but it includes modules to easily control and interact with the GPIOs, use Wi-Fi, and other communication protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Installing Thonny IDE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we provide instructions to install Thonny IDE in different operating systems, read the section that fits your needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A) Installing Thonny IDE – Windows PC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- B) Installing Thonny IDE – Mac OS X<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- C) Installing Thonny IDE – Linux<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tip: <\/strong>Thonny IDE comes installed by default on Raspbian OS that is used with the Raspberry Pi board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A) Installing Thonny IDE – Windows PC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To install Thonny on your Windows PC, follow the next instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/strong> Go to https:\/\/thonny.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.<\/strong> Download the version for Windows and wait a few seconds while it downloads.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"thony-ide-micropython-windows\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-download-f.png?resize=750%2C629&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3. <\/strong>Run the .exe<\/em> file.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/0-Install-Thonny-Windows.png?resize=466%2C344&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4. <\/strong>Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation process. You just need to click “Next”.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/6-Install-Thonny-Windows.png?resize=499%2C387&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5.<\/strong> After completing the installation, open Thonny IDE. A window as shown in the following figure should open.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"thony-ide-micropython-windows\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/8-Install-Thonny-Windows.png?resize=802%2C702&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nB) Installing Thonny IDE – Mac OS X<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since Thonny IDE is open source and downloaded from the Internet, it’s not a verified app in the App Store. For security reasons, Mac OS X blocks unknown apps to run on your computer. Follow these next instructions to enable any downloaded software to run in your Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/strong> Open the “System Preferences..<\/strong>.” menu.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/1-Allow-Apps-to-run-Mac-OS-X-uPyCraft-IDE.png?resize=235%2C262&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2.<\/strong> Open the “Security & Privacy<\/strong>” menu.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2-Allow-Apps-to-run-Security-Privacy-Mac-OS-X-uPyCraft-IDE.png.png?resize=670%2C598&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3.<\/strong> At the bottom left corner, click the lock icon to modify your “Security & Privacy” settings:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/3-Allow-Apps-to-run-unlock-computer-Mac-OS-X-uPyCraft-IDE.png.png?resize=670%2C544&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4.<\/strong> Type your username\/password and click the “Unlock<\/strong>” button.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/4-Allow-Apps-to-run-unlock-computer-Mac-OS-X-uPyCraft-IDE.png.png?resize=445%2C232&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5.<\/strong> Finally, select the option “Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/5-Allow-Apps-to-run-from-anywhere-computer-Mac-OS-X-uPyCraft-IDE.png.png?resize=669%2C542&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThat’s it, you can close that window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To install Thonny on Mac OS X, follow the next instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/strong> Go to https:\/\/thonny.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.<\/strong> Download the version for Mac OS X and wait a few seconds while it downloads.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-download-mac.png?resize=750%2C629&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3.<\/strong> Open the .dmg<\/em> file.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/0-downloading-thonny-ide-mac-os-x.png?resize=172%2C248&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4.<\/strong> Drag the “Thonny” application to your Desktop:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/1-installing-thonny-ide-mac-os-x.png?resize=500%2C303&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5.<\/strong> Thonny IDE is now installed and you can double-click to open it:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/2-installing-thonny-ide-mac-os-x.png?resize=279%2C226&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n6.<\/strong> After the installation is completed, open Thonny IDE. A window as shown in the following figure should open.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3-open-thonny-ide-mac-os-x-1.png?resize=727%2C651&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nC) Installing Thonny IDE – Linux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To install Thonny on your Linux computer, it depends on your Linux distribution and version, follow the next instructions for your system. First, we recommend installing these dependencies: python3, python3-pip, and python3-tk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re in Ubuntu, you can install the Python dependencies like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-tk<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
After having Python3, pip3, and Python3 Tkinter, you can install Thonny IDE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ubuntu (after running that command, you’ll need to press Enter again to install the software):<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
bash <(wget -O - https:\/\/thonny.org\/installer-for-linux)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Or you can install Thonny IDE with pip3:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
sudo pip3 install thonny<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fedora since 27:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
sudo dnf install thonny<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Raspbian since Stretch (installed by default):<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
sudo apt install python3-thonny<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
After installing Thonny IDE and depending on your installation method, to open Thonny IDE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- You either need go to the search bar and type “Thonny” to find it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Or if you installed Thonny IDE using pip3, you can type in your terminal window:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
thonny<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Then, it should open Thonny IDE:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/linux-thonny.png?resize=720%2C646&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFlashing MicroPython Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MicroPython isn\u2019t flashed onto the ESP32 or ESP8266 boards by default. The first thing you need to do to start programming your boards with MicroPython is flash\/upload\/burn the firmware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different ways in which you can do that. Thonny IDE comes with a tool that allows you to quickly install MicroPython firmware on your board. Another method is using esptool\u2014check this tutorial to burn MicroPython firmware with esptool.py<\/a> if you have trouble flashing the firmware with Thonny IDE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Downloading MicroPython Firmware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Go to the MicroPython Downloads page: https:\/\/micropython.org\/download\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Select the type of board you\u2019re using. Here are the quick links for \u201cregular\u201d ESP32 and ESP8266 boards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- ESP32 MicroPython firmware<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP8266 MicroPython firmware<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You should see a similar web page (see figure below) with links to download .bin<\/span> files. Download the latest release.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Download](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Download-Micropython-firmware.png?resize=461%2C538&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAt the time of writing this article, the latest release is v1.17 (2021-09-02).bin<\/em><\/strong> for the ESP32 and ESP8266 boards. Don\u2019t download the Nightly builds; those versions are not stable and are only recommended for advanced programmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The downloaded file will probably go to the Downloads<\/em> folder. Continue reading to learn how to flash the firmware on your boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashing MicroPython Firmware using Thonny IDE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In this section, you\u2019ll learn how to flash MicroPython firmware on your boards using Thonny IDE. Follow the next steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1)<\/strong> Connect your ESP32 or ESP8266 board to your computer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2)<\/strong> Open Thonny IDE. Go to Tools <\/strong>> Options <\/strong>> Interpreter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3)<\/strong> Select the interpreter you want to use accordingly to the board you’re using and select the COM port your board is connected to. Finally, click on the link Install or update firmware<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Flash](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/flash-micropython-firmware-thonny-ide-1.png?resize=651%2C505&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4)<\/strong> Select the port once again, and then click on the Browse <\/strong>button to open the .bin<\/span> file with the firmware you’ve downloaded on the previous step. Select the options as shown in the picture below and finally click on Install<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/ESP-firmware-installer-thonny-ide.png?resize=541%2C429&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAfter a few seconds, the installation should be completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing the Installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Important: <\/strong>before testing the installation, your ESP32\/ESP8266 board needs to be flashed with MicroPython firmware (see the previous step).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connect the board to your computer using a USB cable. To test the installation, you need to tell Thonny that you want to run MicroPython Interpreter and select the board you are using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/strong> Go to Tools<\/strong> > Options<\/strong> and select the Interpreter<\/strong> tab. Make sure you’ve selected the right interpreter for your board as well as the COM port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also select the “Try to detect automatically<\/strong>” option, but only<\/em> if you just have one board connected to your computer at a time. Otherwise, select the specific port for the board you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.<\/strong> Thonny IDE should now be connected to your board and you should see the prompt on the Shell.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3-thonny-ide-window-generic-micropython.png?resize=690%2C554&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3.<\/strong> Type the command help()<\/strong> in the Shell and see if it responds back.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-help.png?resize=621%2C544&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIf it responded back, everything is working fine. Now, you can send a few more commands to test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Send the following commands to light up the on-board LED<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> from machine import Pin\n>>> Pin(2, Pin.OUT).value(1)<\/pre>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-light-up-led.png?resize=621%2C544&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIf you\u2019re using an ESP8266, the logic to turn on the LED works the other way around, so you should send the following command instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> Pin(2, Pin.OUT).value(0)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
The on-board LED should light up.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP32](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ESP32-board-Built_in-LED-turned-on-HIGH.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThen, turn off the led like this for the ESP32:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> Pin(2, Pin.OUT).value(0)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
And like this for the ESP8266:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> Pin(2, Pin.OUT).value(1)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Congratulations! Your installation was successful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thonny IDE Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At this point, you should have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Thonny IDE installed on your computer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP32\/ESP8266 flashed with MicroPython firmware<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Open Thonny IDE. There are two different sections: the Editor<\/strong> and the MicroPython Shell\/Terminal<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-ide-Copy.png?resize=768%2C609&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- The Editor<\/strong> section is where you write your code and edit your .py<\/em> files. You can open more than one file, and the Editor will open a new tab for each file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- On the MicroPython Shel<\/strong>l you can type commands to be executed immediately by your ESP board without the need to upload new files. The terminal also provides information about the state of an executing program, shows errors related with upload, syntax errors, prints messages, etc\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can also customize Thonny IDE to show other useful tabs. Go to View<\/strong> and you can select several tabs that provide more information.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-view.png?resize=621%2C544&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSomething that could be very useful is the Variables<\/strong> tab. It lists all available variables in your program and their corresponding values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Running Your First Script<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To get you familiar with the process of writing a file and executing code on your ESP32\/ESP8266 boards, we\u2019ll upload a new script that simply blinks the on-board LED of your ESP32 or ESP8266.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating the main.py file on your board<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/strong> When you open Thonny IDE for the first time, the Editor shows an untitled file. Save that file as main.py<\/em> by clicking on the save<\/strong> icon. Select the “This computer<\/strong>” option. We recommend saving the file inside a folder with a name that identifies the project, for example Blink<\/em>. The file must be called main.py<\/span>. Otherwise, it will not work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.<\/strong> The Editor should now have a tab called main.py<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-main-py.png?resize=621%2C465&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3.<\/strong> Copy the following code to the main.py<\/span> file:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
from machine import Pin\nfrom time import sleep\nled = Pin(2, Pin.OUT)\nwhile True:\n led.value(not led.value())\n sleep(0.5)<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-main-py-2.png?resize=595%2C503&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nUploading the Script<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1)<\/strong> Go to File<\/strong> > Save as\u2026<\/strong> or click on the save <\/strong>icon. The following window will open.<\/p>\n\n\n
- On the MicroPython Shel<\/strong>l you can type commands to be executed immediately by your ESP board without the need to upload new files. The terminal also provides information about the state of an executing program, shows errors related with upload, syntax errors, prints messages, etc\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The Editor<\/strong> section is where you write your code and edit your .py<\/em> files. You can open more than one file, and the Editor will open a new tab for each file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP8266 MicroPython firmware<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- ESP32 MicroPython firmware<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raspbian since Stretch (installed by default):<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Fedora since 27:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Or you can install Thonny IDE with pip3:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- B) Installing Thonny IDE – Mac OS X<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A) Installing Thonny IDE – Windows PC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Thonny](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/save-micropython-device-thonny-ide.png?resize=220%2C202&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Thonny](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/save-main-py-thonny-device.png?resize=553%2C409&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ESP8266-blinking-LED.jpg?resize=750%2C421&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/thonny-ide-internal-error.png?resize=551%2C296&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n