So I finally gave in to the hype and decided to give Chat GPT a go. In the absence of an interesting prompt, I asked our new robot overlord to help me with a common dilemma faced by people getting into hobbyist electronics:
Which is better MicroPython or CircuitPython?
Both MicroPython and CircuitPython are open-source, beginner-friendly programming languages that are based on Python and are designed to be used with microcontrollers. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two.
MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3 that includes a small subset of the Python standard library optimized to run on microcontrollers. It offers a wide range of functionality and supports a variety of microcontroller architectures. However, it requires some manual configuration to set up for specific hardware and can be challenging to get started with for beginners.
CircuitPython is a fork of MicroPython that includes a more extensive set of libraries and drivers out of the box, making it easier to get started with. It also has a higher level of abstraction, which can make it easier to write code quickly, and supports a growing number of boards and peripherals.
Overall, both MicroPython and CircuitPython have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them largely depends on your needs and preferences. If you're comfortable with configuring and setting up your hardware manually, and you prioritize minimalism and efficiency, MicroPython may be the better choice. If you're a beginner or want to get up and running quickly, and you prioritize ease of use and a larger set of pre-built libraries, CircuitPython may be the better choice.This is a very sensible response… but I wanted to push it and see if I could get an actual response:
But which one is actually better?
There is no straightforward answer to which one is better as it largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you're looking for a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers and don't mind manually configuring and setting up your hardware, then MicroPython may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you're a beginner or want to get up and running quickly with a larger set of pre-built libraries and drivers, then CircuitPython may be the better choice.
Ultimately, both MicroPython and CircuitPython are excellent choices for programming microcontrollers in Python, and the choice between them depends on your specific requirements and preferences.Ah come on ChatGPT, you can surely make a simple decision!
if you HAD to pick one, which would you pick?
As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences. However, if you provide me with more information about your specific use case and requirements, I can give you a recommendation on which language may be a better fit for your project.Apparently not unless I give it more context…
I want to work on a Raspberry Pi Pico W
Both MicroPython and CircuitPython are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Pico, and both provide a convenient way to program the Pico with Python.
If you are a beginner or you need to get up and running quickly, I would recommend CircuitPython since it comes with more pre-built libraries and drivers, which can save you time and effort. CircuitPython also has a higher level of abstraction, which can make it easier to write code quickly, especially if you are not an experienced programmer.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more minimalistic approach and want to optimize for efficiency, then MicroPython may be the better choice. MicroPython offers a smaller footprint and more control over low-level details, which can be beneficial if you're working with limited resources or have specific performance requirements.
Ultimately, both MicroPython and CircuitPython are good choices for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and preferences.Hmmm more of the same. Time for a little more context…
What if I am an advanced user that needs to get up and running quickly?
If you are an advanced user and you need to get up and running quickly, I would still recommend CircuitPython for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico.
CircuitPython provides a higher level of abstraction and more pre-built libraries and drivers than MicroPython, which can save you time and effort even if you are an experienced programmer. Additionally, CircuitPython has a strong community with many resources and tutorials available online, which can be helpful when working with more complex projects.
While MicroPython is also a great option for advanced users, it requires more manual setup and configuration to get started, which may be a drawback if you need to get up and running quickly. However, if you have specific requirements or need to optimize for efficiency, MicroPython may be a better fit for your needs.And there we go… ChatGPT declares CircuitPython is better!
Of course, the very first response is the correct response, which variant you use depends on your own personal circumstances there is no “better” and both have great use cases. Still – this was a fun little exercise!