Microsoft MakeCode for Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

Hey guys,

Check it out!

I didn't know that there's a Microsoft MakeCode for Adafruit Circuit Playground Express. Well, maybe it's been up for a while after I stop playing with my raspberry pi and other boards. It's not that I've lost interest, but I've been busy with other stuff. I'm still dabbling with coding though, that's how I found out about the MakeCode.

You can also play with Adafruit Clue and CPE simulator in Microsoft Visual Studio Code (download page). There's an extension for them. I don't have the board so, playing with the coding and testing on the simulator is kinda interesting and fun. I was actually hoping that there's an Arduino and Raspberry pi simulator but for now there's none.



Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

Playing with all this board is really fun and great knowledge to learn. The Arduino and Raspberry pi is actually designed for school students. But, it's been popular with hobbyists too. I consider myself a hobbyist for AI and machine learning just for the heck of it. Also, it kinda good to train my lazy brain to learn new interesting technology.

The good thing is that, nowadays, every information you need can be found online. Most of the time, I'll search through Google to find certain codes and try it out. If it doesn't work, I'll try another one. Sometimes though, the information can be 'old'. Like certain code doesn't work anymore because it's been updated. 



Adafruit 2769 Circuit Playground Express Educator's Pack

I guess that's part of learning. What makes it all worthwhile when dabbling with all these boards and their microcontroller is seeing it work. There'll be a time when you're stuck and can't seem to make any progression and then you change a bit of code or try another code and it all falls in place. That eureka moment is what you've looking for. 

There was a time when I'm feeling frustrated and I'll spend hours on it. I've learned that sometimes, you just have to relax and do other stuff. Banging your head on the wall will not help (kidding). It might take a few days but new ideas might come to you while you're walking around, doing some house cleaning, cooking, or whatever.  



Adafruit Circuit Playground Express Developer Edition - Base Kit

In any case, it's just something I enjoy doing. Trying to make things work and solving technical problems. You got that feeling of self-accomplishment. Maybe, that's why it seems to be quite popular. It's also good that they're pushing this in school. Like the micobit which I've actually bought and play with. Even create my own games.

For some reason, I like playing with all these 'toys'. Also, at least, it's something practical when you code something and see it works on a mini-computer board. Who knows, in the near future later you'll begin to see more robots everywhere. Heck, there are already robot waiters in restaurants and military dogs right now. 

I don't think we're that far off. Especially, when the pandemic now shows how important robots could be.

What you guys think?

Don't forget to check out my demo video.

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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/W04oadL

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Happy computing!


P.S. Adafruit 2769 Circuit Playground Express Educator's Pack

my Python Projects Visual Studio Code Text RPG The Adventure of the Brave Warrior

The Self-Taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally

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Check it out!

Learning coding with python is fun!

I've been learning Python especially the practical parts since I bought my first Raspberry pi 3. Of course, I've been interested in learning about computers since way back in the 80s. I've blogged about it before. The first time I touch a real computer was in a military show.

I didn't get the chance to enroll in any computer class before. But, at the back of my mind, I always wanted to learn. Back in the days, when the internet was still new, I heard about java and wanted to learn it. I can't remember if I actually bought any books. It was such a long time ago. I did learn how to create my own websites.



The Self-Taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally

Learning to create my own website was fun too. I don't think blogs exist yet back then. The WYSIWYG website creating software really helps. I guess you could call that learning to code too as I learn about frames, linking, fonts, etc. Which I still am using today!

Piracy was rampant during that time and you could buy 3 CDs of software for just $10 bucks. Yup, I bought tons of them. I even bought hacker CDs. Teaching you how to hack. But, I never actually use any of that. It didn't even work. Lol :p 



A Smarter Way to Learn Python: Learn it faster. Remember it longer.

I might be a 'beginner' in python but I'm not sure why I feel so passionate about it. Maybe, because it's easy to learn. Ok, it's still far away for me to create my own program but just by learning using a few codes here and there is already fun and interesting for me.

The desire to be able to create my own game is definitely part of the reasons. Although, I've actually created some using Scratch. Which is like the WYSIWYG. An easier and quicker way to learn and create your own stuff. Great for the kids!



Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities

Well, I loved text-based RPG and I'm trying to create one. I came across a website that already has a sample code that you can play with. So, based on that codes I played around and try creating my own text-based RPG game. It took me a whole day just to make things work.

Every time, I found a sample code, I'll play around with it and try out stuff. I find that if I don't do this or practice, I'll actually forget them. Even if just for a few days. I'm not sure if this is normal. I guess, with coding, you need practical practice too?



Visual Studio Code: End-to-End Editing and Debugging Tools for Web Developers

I actually only just started using the Visual Studio Code (main site link). I was checking out the Microsoft python youtube channel and they recommend their viewers to download it. I thought, maybe, I'll try that. I'm glad I did.

I've also been dabbling with WSL aka Windows Subsystem for Linux. I've heard that you can integrate it with VSC. That's another reason, I wanted to try it out. It's definitely a faster and cool way to code and test it out on Linux. Everything in one editor!

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con - HAC-001(-01)

Now, I'm trying to figure out how to add pictures and sound to my text-based RPG game. Which I'm entitling, "The Adventure of the Brave Warrior". Nothing fancy. Oh, in conjunction with learning python, I also used my knowledge with SmileBASIC 4 for my Nintendo Switch lite.

Coding with SmileBASIC 4 is almost the same with python. Every time, I learned anything new in python, I'll try it out in SmileBASIC. I might have to change some of the code here and there but it basically works the same. 

Nintendo Switch Lite - Gray

Last night, I tried to code a bit of my, Brave Warrior text-based RPG game on my switch lite and it works. Although, it's actually much easier for me to change the font colors, add background music, sprites, etc. I've already learned how to do that.

That's why I love my Switch lite. SmileBASIC 4 (main site) might not be pure python but it's another way for me to practice coding and create my own game at the same time. It's also portable and you can do it anytime and anywhere. Even without internet access!

 I really do hope, that I can learn and use python on my Switch lite one day. The Nintendo Switch is a great educational learning system too!

Don't forget to watch my python-based game demo video!

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Happy coding!


P.S. The Self-Taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally

Windows Subsystem Linux (WSL) in Microsoft Visual Studio Code

C 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0 – Modern Cross-Platform Development: Build applications with C#, .NET Core, Entity Framework Core, ASP.NET Core, and ML.NET using Visual Studio Code, 4th Edition

Hey guys,

Check it out!

I've been dabbling, playing around with Python and WSL aka Windows Subsystem for Linux using a separate editor. But, yesterday, watching a video on learning python, it was recommended to download and use Microsoft Visual Studio Code.

Recently, I saw a youtube video showing that now, you can use WSL right from inside the Visual Studio. I was intrigued. That's part of the reason I wanted to download and install the Visual Studio code. Seems like will be something new for me to learn.



C 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0 – Modern Cross-Platform Development: Build applications with C#, .NET Core, Entity Framework Core, ASP.NET Core, and ML.NET using Visual Studio Code, 4th Edition

For me, this is something new to try and play with. Installation was pretty fast and easy. Once, I installed the Visual Studio code, it immediately asked me if I wanted to add the WSL since I already have it. That's really helpful right from the start.

Of course, the first thing I tried was trying some simple python, "Hello World" code. But, first, it installed and add python for me. You can practically install and use anything from inside the visual studio code. This is a pretty powerful editor.



Visual Studio Code: End-to-End Editing and Debugging Tools for Web Developers

This is funny but after a while doing some python stuff, I go to the terminal and instinctively type, wsl. And, immediately I was brought to the windows subsystem for the Linux command line. I was like, oh ok, that's how I can go to Linux.

It was actually cool to be able to use wsl right from inside the virtual studio code. This way, I can do python stuff, run it, debugs, or whatever and then can just go to Linux terminal and try it there too. You can also do other usual Linux stuff like update and upgrade.



Windows Subsystem for Linux: Tactics, Mindset, and Tips

I didn't show it in the youtube demo video I uploaded but you can also play Linux command line games too. Being able to learn coding in python and at the same time using Linux from right inside the Microsoft editor is really useful for me.

Yeah, I'll still just use the wsl or python thonny editor separately for trying out or checking quick stuff. If I'm really getting into it, I'll then open up the visual studio code. The studio code is not just for python. If you're working on other stuff like Ruby, C#, or whatever, they have it all! 

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con - HAC-001(-01)

I'm actually also learning coding with SmileBASIC 4 (website) and FUZE 4 (website) on my Nintendo switch lite. It's almost like python. Just the coding and keywords are different. There was a game that also includes a Ruby editor. But, Nintendo discovers it and the game dev had to delete it.

It will actually be fun to be able to use the Ruby editor on my switch lite. It's so powerful that even Nintendo banning the game. That's really a bummer. It would have been a good way for people to learn about coding with Ruby. Money is not everything, Nintendo!

Well, there's so much you can do to have fun!

What you guys think?

*Shop the latest deals from Amazon via our links to support us. Tq!

Subscribe to our blog and youtube channel for the latest post and video upload!

Happy programming!


P.S. C 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0 – Modern Cross-Platform Development: Build applications with C#, .NET Core, Entity Framework Core, ASP.NET Core, and ML.NET using Visual Studio Code, 4th Edition