CircuitPythonMicroPython

CircuitPython and MicroPython are Python implementations designed to run directly on microcontrollers and other constrained hardware. They enable scripting for hardware projects, sensors, and embedded interfaces without a full desktop operating system. Both aim to bring Python’s readability and ease of use to devices with limited resources, but they differ in goals, APIs, and ecosystem.

MicroPython was created by Damien George in 2013 and has evolved into a broad, community-driven project. It emphasizes a compact footprint and broad hardware portability, supporting a wide range of microcontrollers. Its Python subset is oriented toward embedded use, with modules such as machine, time, and uio, and a package ecosystem via the micropython-lib repository. Hardware ports vary by board and vendor, and MicroPython often targets performance and memory efficiency.

CircuitPython is a fork of MicroPython released by Adafruit in 2017 with a focus on beginner friendliness and consistent cross-board APIs. It bundles a curated set of modules and a rich collection of libraries designed for rapid learning and experimentation on Adafruit hardware. A distinguishing feature is the CIRCUITPY USB drive, which appears as a removable disk for code and libraries; users place code.py as the main program and install libraries into the lib directory.

Hardware support and ecosystem differ accordingly. MicroPython runs on numerous chips and board families, including ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, RP2040, and others, with ports contributed by volunteers. CircuitPython concentrates on Adafruit-supported boards (and some ports to other platforms), emphasizing ease of use and a guided library collection. Both approaches enable interactive REPLs, I/O control, and hardware interfacing, with the choice often driven by hardware availability, library needs, and the desired learning or project context.