PicoH-Template-Micropython

This project provides a structured development environment for programming Raspberry Pi Pico (or RP2040-based boards) using MicroPython. It uses a Python virtual environment (venv) and a Makefile to simplify deployment, REPL access, and file management with the device.

---

Prerequisites

Ensure the following are installed on your system:

• Python 3.8 or higher
• Homebrew (for macOS users)
• Visual Studio Code (optional, but recommended)

Install Python via Homebrew (macOS):

brew install python

---

Device Setup (One-Time)

Step 1: Connect the Pico

1. Press and hold the BOOTSEL button on the Raspberry Pi Pico.
2. Connect the device to your computer via USB while holding the button.
3. The Pico will mount as a USB mass storage device.

Step 2: Install MicroPython Firmware

1. Download the latest .uf2 firmware for Raspberry Pi Pico from:
   https://micropython.org/download/rp2-pico/
2. Drag and drop the .uf2 file onto the mounted Pico device.
3. The device will reboot and appear as a USB serial device.

---

Project Setup

Step 1: Clone the Repository

git clone <repository-url>
cd <project-directory>

Step 2: Create and Initialize the Virtual Environment

make venv
make install

This will:

• Create a Python virtual environment in ./venv/
• Install project dependencies from requirements.txt

---

Makefile Usage

Edit the PORT variable in the Makefile if necessary. You can identify the correct device path using:

ls /dev/tty.usbmodem*

Available Targets

Command	Description
make venv	Creates a Python virtual environment
make install	Installs required Python packages from requirements.txt
make run	Executes main.py on the connected device
make repl	Opens an interactive REPL session
make ls	Lists files stored on the device
make put	Uploads main.py to the device
make get	Downloads main.py from the device
make reset	Issues a soft reset to the device

---

Project Structure

micropython_project/
├── main.py                 # MicroPython source code
├── requirements.txt        # Python dependency list
├── Makefile                # Automation for development tasks
├── pico-mpy.code-workspace# VS Code workspace (optional)
└── venv/                   # Python virtual environment

---

Notes

• This workflow assumes that all Python tooling (e.g., mpremote) runs inside a virtual environment.
• Use the Makefile targets instead of manually copying files to the Pico.
• For consistent formatting and linting, tools such as black and flake8 are included in requirements.txt.

---

Cleanup Instructions

To remove the virtual environment:

rm -rf venv/

To reset the environment:

make venv
make install