micropip

micropip is a lightweight package installer designed for MicroPython, the Python 3 implementation that runs on memory‑constrained embedded devices such as the ESP8266, ESP32, and STM32 microcontrollers. Unlike the standard Python package manager pip, micropip operates entirely within a MicroPython environment and does not rely on a host operating system. It fetches and installs modules directly onto the device’s file system, allowing developers to extend firmware functionality by loading additional libraries at runtime.

The micropip script is typically distributed as a single file, `micropip.py`, which can be uploaded to a MicroPython board via the serial REPL or a file transfer protocol such as WebREPL. Once present on the device, micropip can be invoked from the interpreter:

```

>>> import micropip

>>> micropip.install("https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib/archive/refs/heads/master.zip")

```

During installation, micropip downloads the specified tarball or zip file, extracts the modules, and writes them to the target file system. It supports installing from URLs that point to `.tar.gz`, `.zip`, or individual `.mpy` binaries. The tool also handles re‑installations, preventing duplicate files, and reports success or errors back to the user.

Micropip was introduced to simplify the deployment of third‑party libraries in environments where a traditional pip command is unavailable and storage resources are limited. Because it loads modules directly from the device’s file system, it enables rapid prototyping and iterative development without needing a separate build toolchain. Regulatory features are minimal; a user should, however, ensure that the source of a package is trustworthy, as micropip will execute any Python code present in the file.

Because MicroPython’s firmware evolves, compatibility between micropip and the underlying firmware version must be verified; certain firmware releases include an integrated micropip module, while earlier versions require manual upload. Micropip has become a common component of the MicroPython ecosystem, used by hobbyists and professionals alike to extend device capabilities with a library of open‑source modules.