mpycross

mpycross is a cross-compiler that enables the compilation of MicroPython firmware for various target microcontrollers. It facilitates the development of embedded Python applications by allowing developers to write code in Python and have it compiled into native machine code suitable for resource-constrained devices. The toolchain typically involves Python, a cross-compiler backend such as GCC, and specific configuration files for each target architecture. This process allows MicroPython's Python interpreter and runtime environment to be built and deployed on hardware that may not have direct support for running standard Python bytecode.

The primary purpose of mpycross is to generate a self-contained MicroPython executable that can be flashed onto a microcontroller. This executable includes the MicroPython interpreter, the necessary standard libraries, and any user-defined Python code. By compiling ahead of time, mpycross can optimize the firmware size and execution speed, which are critical considerations for embedded systems with limited memory and processing power. It supports a range of microcontroller families, requiring specific build configurations for each. The build process usually involves defining the target architecture, setting compiler flags, and specifying the MicroPython source code. Developers can then use the generated firmware image with their chosen flashing tools to deploy their Python applications onto their hardware.