Simple and easy to go with, but few examples

Just started the book yesterday. Really enjoying it. Well-written. Thanks Nicholas.

As the author states in the second paragraph of the Preface you *do* need to know Python (but not be an expert) before you will get much use from this book. If you know Python and you have some experience in embedded systems this book will explain all the details like using MicroPython to declare and configure digital and analog I/O pins, pin direction, pull-up and pull-down resistors, and using MicroPython to configure, read and write to sensors or other devices using I2C, SPI, etc.

I think it's probably accurate to say that this book focuses on the parts of Python that are specific to embedded systems and that won't be found anywhere else. It covers a lot of different areas using several different devices, unlike some other MicroPython books that use a MicroPython device from a single manufacturer in all the examples. I have several MicroPython books and this is probably my favorite.

I would have given it 5 stars but the price is just too high for a technical book that will very likely be outdated in a year or so.

This isn't a book about HOW to program embedded systems in MicroPython, but ABOUT using MicroPython in embedded systems.

There is a big difference between the two.

If you already are adept at programming in Python you will find this an interesting take on how you can carry your existing skills over to micro-controllers and the domain of embedded programming. You will find the pages detailing development board options insightful, and appreciate the examples of using sensors and outputs. You will find the sections like "Abilities of Enchantment" and "The Zen of MicroPython" an interesting view on philosophical approaches to the language and embedded development.

If you can already write programs but are not familiar with the Python language, studying the examples will get you going but will provide minimal insight into the language's structure, features and usage. Key concepts like the language's syntax, variables, dictionaries and lists do not even get an entry in the book's index, and if they are mentioned it is only in passing. This was my situation, and I quickly decided to go to other material to learn the basics of the language.

It is stated explicitly in the footnote on the bottom of page IX, and I agree. To get value from this book you need to be familiar with Python's syntax, how do define and call a function and how to control program flow in your code. If you do not already know the Python language, or are new to the fundamentals of programming then you are going to find this book very challenging.

Overall I was disappointed in this book. I found it lacking in technical depth, with a great deal of text spent on exposition and detailing the virtues of microcontrollers and IoT. While a nod is given to a few other Micropython microcontrollers, the vast majority of the focus is on the micro:bit, with little assistance provided in porting code between devices. I would expect a book like this to cover what Micropython modules are available for each device, the functions available in those modules, and the differences between them.. none of that was included. The book spends very little time actually discussing Micropython, despite using it for every example. Very little attention is given to the ESP8266/ESP32, though a few examples are present for it. Some neat examples are presented for the micro:bit and Circuit Playground boards.

This book ceased to be a useful choice at least 5 years ago. It contains little to nothing that is useful in 2026.

We are in the last quarter of 2023 and this book is from 2017, around 6 years old. A lot has happened since 2017, there needs to be an updated, contemporary version of this book, especially at $42.

Another “micropython” book that soends half of the book explaining how to install micropython on all the things. I’m so irritated once I got to the part in the book where the author went on a multi paragraph lecture on celebrating difference and diversity, excercising capacity for empathy, adapting to change, etc(NOT A JOKE) the title of the book is misleading and now I have to read his horrible attempt to work in all the cultural buzzwords into a PROGRAMMING book! If your expecting a well written programming book like I was from O’Reilly, your going to be seriously disappointed. Tip to the Author. No one is using the Microbit! It’s old and outdated. They decided to stand still while the microcontroller revolution blew by. For a fraction of the price you can buy a board with WiFi and Bluetooth and for some reason felt the need to focus on the microbit. So disappointed O’Reilly put their name on this. Hopefully they’ll get back on track after this blunder. One more thing, most programming books are 350-600+ pages and still gloss over a lot of information. This book is 180 something pages with ideological nonsense incorporated throughout. Take a hard pass on this one!

produit de qualité et conforme

Nice book but you need to know python basics (you can learn at python official website in lear section)

Thumbs up. No issues with the quality of the product or the delivery.

Book in excellent condition and great introduction for whoever wants to dip their toe in the world of microprocessors.

I can highly recommend this book. It is well written and accessible. I passed it around the trainees yesterday after having a read myself. They liked it too. It is really well written and teacher friendly. The technical detail is explained in an accessible manner, it Is extremely useful for teachers who are engaging with new technology.

Da una buena reseña de diversas plataformas que son programadas con MicroPython.