Overview
Starting with CircuitPython 7, there are a couple of ways of connecting to a CircuitPython board and editing files. We call these “workflows”. The classic workflow is over USB where the CircuitPython board appears as a CIRCUITPY drive with all of the code files on it. The second way to connect is wirelessly over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Unlike USB, BLE works better with phones and tablets.
USB
To connect to CircuitPython over USB, connect the USB cable from the CircuitPython board to your computer. The two most common mistakes are:
- Expecting CIRCUITPY before loading CircuitPython onto the device.
- Using a USB cable that only connects the power wires. Double check any new cable with a working device. With your first device, try multiple cables.
See the Welcome to CircuitPython guide for more details and troubleshooting.
BLE
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) doesn’t have standard for transferring files. As a result, operating systems don’t have built in support for the protocol CircuitPython uses. Instead, you’ll need to use an app or webpage designed for the file transfer protocol.
PyLeap
PyLeap is an iOS app by Adafruit designed to quickly get you started by loading existing projects onto your device. These projects are from learn.adafruit.com.
Get PyLeap through Apple’s beta testing app TestFlight here.
PyLeap is openly developed on GitHub.
File Glider
File Glider is an iOS app by Adafruit designed to interoperate with iOS’s files API. Files can be edited directly in File Glider or indirectly in other Files API compatible apps. The app is not CircuitPython specific so it can be used with any file transfer capable device.
Get File Glider through Apple’s beta testing app TestFlight here.
File Glider is openly developed on GitHub.
code.circuitpython.org
code.circuitpython.org is a webapp designed by Adafruit to edit files over WebBluetooth in Chrome. This works on the latest Chrome on desktop and on Android.
Go to code.circuitpython.org to get started.
The web editor is openly developed on GitHub.