02 - MakeCode
MakeCode is a platform that helps us create programs that the micro:bit can understand in any of three different computer languages, Blocks (KCJ's choice), JavaScript and Python.
Not only MakeCode is the ideal environment for us to teach code and interact with the micro:bit, but it also has a built-in micro:bit emulator, providing an easy and fast place to test our code.
In this section, we'll go over the main MakeCode platform concepts that your students need to be familiar with to comfortably start their coding journey with us. Start by visiting on your favourite browser the following site makecode.microbit.org.
Once on the site, click on the big purple button that says New Project to navigate to the main application. You will be prompted to give your project a name and then click on the Create button.
The process may take some time depending on the computer speed and internet connection, but once all is loaded we'll be in the main area of MakeCode.
MakeCode Work Area
MakeCode can be divided into three different areas. the Workspace, the Blocks and the Emulator. Let's take a look at each of them:
1. Workspace
This is the empty area on the right side of the screen. This empty space is waiting for you to add blocks to provide instructions that the micro:bit will execute. By default, it has the forever and on start blocks.
2. Block categories
The Blocks area is where all your available instructions are located, conveniently grouped into categories and colour coded.
3. Emulator
This is our testing ground, the virtual micro:bit. This emulator has most of the functionality of the physical version and a few extra tricks that you'll learn at some point.
There are many more options to explore on the screen, but these three are the essentials that will enable the students to start using MakeCode
With a micro:bit and MakeCode, we could create interesting applications to visualize data, but we are introducing more tools that will add variety to our creations.
If you like to learn more about MakeCode and the micro:bit, continue to A - Events. If you are already familiar with micro:bits, continue to the section where we explore our first tool, the Servo Motor.
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