The Official BBC micro:bit User Guide

The go-to guide to getting started with the BBC micro:bit and exploring all of its amazing capabilities.

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized electronic development platform built with education in mind. It was developed by the BBC in partnership with major tech companies, communities, and educational organizations to provide kids with a fun, easy, inexpensive way to develop their digital skills. With it, kids (and grownups) can learn basic programming and coding while having fun making virtual pets, developing games, and a whole lot more.

Written by internationally bestselling tech author Gareth Halfacree and endorsed by the Micro:bit Foundation, The Official BBC micro:bit User Guide contains what you need to know to get up and running fast with the BBC micro:bit. Learn everything from taking your first steps with the BBC micro:bit to writing your own programs. You’ll also learn how to expand its capabilities with add-ons through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

• Set up your BBC micro:bit and develop your digital skills
• Write code in JavaScript Blocks, JavaScript, and Python
• Discover the BBC micro:bit’s built-in sensors
• Connect the BBC micro:bit to a Raspberry Pi to extend its capabilities
• Build your own circuits and create hardware

The Official BBC micro:bit User Guide is your go-to source for learning all the secrets of the BBC micro:bit. Whether you’re just beginning or have some experience, this book allows you to dive right in and experience everything the BBC micro:bit has to offer.

Table of Contents

Part I: An Introduction to the BBC micro:bit
Chapter 1: Meet the BBC micro:bit
Chapter 2: Getting Started with the BBC micro:bit
Chapter 3: Programming the BBC micro:bit

Part II: Coding for the BBC micro:bit
Chapter 4: Programming Languages
Chapter 5: JavaScript Blocks
Chapter 6: JavaScript
Chapter 7: Python

Part III: Advanced BBC micro:bit Projects
Chapter 8: The Wireless BBC micro:bit
Chapter 9: The BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi
Chapter 10: Building Circuits
Chapter 11: Extending the BBC micro:bit
Chapter 12: The Wearable BBC micro:bit
Chapter 13: Additional Resources

Part IV: Appendices
Appendix A: JavaScript Blocks Recipes
Appendix B: JavaScript Recipes
Appendix C: Python Recipes
Appendix D: Pin-Out Listing