firmata
Firmata is an open protocol for serial communication between software running on a host computer and microcontroller hardware, such as an Arduino. It enables the host application to control the microcontroller’s I/O pins, read sensors, and manage peripherals without writing custom firmware for each project. The microcontroller typically runs a Firmata firmware, most commonly StandardFirmata, which interprets incoming messages and returns data as needed.
Communication uses a serial connection and a defined set of messages. The standard messages configure pin modes,
Hosting software communicates with Firmata via libraries in various languages, such as pyFirmata for Python and
Variants and ecosystem: StandardFirmata is the most widely used version, with extended variants such as StandardFirmataPlus
Applications and limitations: Firmata is well suited for rapid prototyping, education, and scenarios where quick iteration