VSCode for Raspberry Pi Pico MicroPython

VSCode for Raspberry Pi Pico MicroPython | Generated by AI

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Yes, you can use Visual Studio Code (VSCode) to write, upload, and run MicroPython programs on your Raspberry Pi Pico, similar to how you would with Thonny. VSCode is a powerful editor, and with the right extensions and tools, it can handle MicroPython development effectively. Below is a step-by-step guide to set up VSCode for uploading a simple MicroPython program to your Pico, assuming MicroPython is already flashed (as you’ve done with the .uf2 file).

Prerequisites

MicroPython Flashed: Your Pico has MicroPython installed (e.g., from the RPI_PICO-20250415-v1.25.0.uf2 file).
VSCode Installed: Download and install VSCode from code.visualstudio.com if you haven’t already.
Python Installed: Install Python (required for MicroPython tools) via:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip
```
USB Connection: The Pico is connected to your computer via a data-capable USB cable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Use VSCode for MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico

Install Required VSCode Extensions:
- Open VSCode.
- Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X on macOS).
- Install the following extensions:
  - Python (by Microsoft): For Python and MicroPython syntax highlighting and IntelliSense.
  - Pico-W-Go (optional but recommended): A dedicated extension for Raspberry Pi Pico development with MicroPython. Search for “Pico-W-Go” and install it.
    - Note: Pico-W-Go simplifies file transfers and REPL access but requires additional setup (described below).
  - Alternatively, you can use general-purpose extensions like Remote-SSH or Serial Monitor if you prefer manual control.
Set Up Pico-W-Go (Recommended):
- Install Dependencies: Pico-W-Go requires pyserial and esptool. Install them via pip:
```
pip3 install pyserial esptool
```
- Configure Pico-W-Go:
  - Open VSCode’s Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P).
  - Type and select Pico-W-Go > Configure Project.
  - Follow the prompts to set up your project:
    - Choose the Pico’s serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyACM0). Run ls /dev/tty* in a terminal to find it.
    - Select MicroPython as the interpreter.
    - Create a new project folder or use an existing one.
  - Pico-W-Go creates a workspace with a .picowgo configuration file.

Write a Simple MicroPython Program:

In VSCode, create a new file (e.g., main.py) in your project folder.

Write a simple program, like blinking the onboard LED:

from machine import Pin
import time

led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)  # Use "LED" for Pico W
while True:
    led.on()
    time.sleep(0.5)
    led.off()
    time.sleep(0.5)

Save the file (Ctrl+S or Cmd+S).

Upload the Program to the Pico:
- Using Pico-W-Go:
  - Ensure the Pico is connected and the correct port is selected (check in Pico-W-Go > Configure Project if needed).
  - Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
  - Select Pico-W-Go > Upload Project to Pico.
  - This uploads all files in your project folder (e.g., main.py) to the Pico’s filesystem.
  - If you named the file main.py, it will run automatically on boot.
- Manual Upload with rshell (if not using Pico-W-Go):
  - Install rshell:
    pip3 install rshell
  - Connect to the Pico:
    rshell --port /dev/ttyACM0
  - Copy the file to the Pico:
    cp main.py /pyboard/main.py
  - Exit rshell with exit.
Run and Test the Program:
- Using Pico-W-Go:
  - Open the Command Palette and select Pico-W-Go > Run.
  - This executes the current file or opens the REPL for manual commands.
  - You should see the LED blinking if using the example above.
- Using VSCode’s Terminal or REPL:
  - Open the REPL with Pico-W-Go (Pico-W-Go > Open REPL) or use rshell:
    rshell --port /dev/ttyACM0 repl
  - Test commands directly, e.g.:
    from machine import Pin led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT) led.on()
  - Press Ctrl+C to stop a running program in the REPL.
- If the file is main.py, reset the Pico (unplug and replug, or press the RESET button) to run it automatically.
Debug and Manage Files:
- Pico-W-Go: Use Pico-W-Go > Download Project from Pico to retrieve files from the Pico or Pico-W-Go > Delete All Files to clear the filesystem.
- rshell: List files with:
```
rshell ls /pyboard
```
  Delete files with:
```
rshell rm /pyboard/main.py
```
- Check program output in the VSCode terminal or REPL.

Alternative: Manual Workflow Without Pico-W-Go

If you prefer not to use Pico-W-Go, you can manage MicroPython development manually:

Write your code in VSCode and save it as main.py.

Use ampy (another MicroPython tool) to upload:

pip3 install adafruit-ampy
ampy --port /dev/ttyACM0 put main.py

Access the REPL with a terminal tool like minicom or screen:
```
screen /dev/ttyACM0 115200
```
Press Ctrl+C to stop a running program and enter the REPL.

Troubleshooting

Port Not Found: Run ls /dev/tty* to verify the Pico’s port (e.g., /dev/ttyACM0). Ensure the Pico is connected and MicroPython is flashed.
Pico-W-Go Errors: Check that pyserial and esptool are installed and the correct port is selected. Restart VSCode if needed.
Program Not Running: Ensure the file is saved as main.py for auto-execution, or run it manually via the REPL or ampy run main.py.
LED Not Blinking: Verify the GPIO pin (25 for Pico, "LED" for Pico W). Test in the REPL:
```
from machine import Pin
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)
led.on()
```

Advantages of VSCode Over Thonny

Better code editing features (e.g., IntelliSense, Git integration, customizable workflows).
Supports larger projects with multiple files.
Pico-W-Go provides a Thonny-like experience but with VSCode’s power.

Limitations

Setup is slightly more complex than Thonny.
REPL integration may feel less seamless compared to Thonny’s all-in-one interface.

If you need help with specific VSCode settings, installing tools, or writing more complex MicroPython programs, let me know!

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