The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer designed to help beginners learn coding by making things happen in the physical world. Its buttons, 5×5 LED display, sensors and connection pins let a program respond to movement, light or touch, show information, and control simple electronic projects.
What is the BBC micro:bit?
The Micro:bit Educational Foundation describes the micro:bit as a pocket-sized computer that introduces how software and hardware work together. It is also a microcontroller: a small programmable board whose inputs and outputs let code interact with the world around it. Unlike a program that runs only on a screen, a micro:bit project can react to a button press or movement, then show or play a response.
The board is intended for hands-on digital making, from a first animation to small projects involving sensors and external electronics. Once code has been transferred and the board is powered, it can run independently of the computer or mobile device used to program it.
What can the micro:bit do?
The board combines controls, a display, sensors and connections. Together, these make it possible to build projects without adding components; GPIO pins can also connect compatible external electronics.
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| Part | What it can do |
|---|---|
| 5×5 LED display | Show pictures, letters, numbers and other simple output. The LEDs can also sense light. |
| Two buttons | Trigger different actions when pressed individually or together. |
| Radio and Bluetooth | Communicate wirelessly with other micro:bits or compatible devices. |
| Temperature sensor | Let a program respond to the processor’s temperature reading. |
| Compass | Detect magnetic fields and direction. |
| 3D accelerometer | Detect movement and orientation, such as tilting or shaking. |
| GPIO pins | Connect external electronics, including simple lights, motors and robots. |
| V2 touch logo | Act as an additional touch-sensitive input. |
| V2 microphone and speaker | Sense sound, including loudness, and play audio. |
The display and sensors make the board useful for experiments as well as coding exercises: a program can measure or detect something, then communicate a result with lights, sound or a wireless message.
What is different about micro:bit V1 and V2?
V1 and V2 share core features, including the buttons, LED display, GPIO pins, wireless communication, temperature sensing, compass and accelerometer. The V2 adds a touch-sensitive logo, built-in microphone and speaker. These additions make sound-based projects and an extra touch input possible without attaching separate components.
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| Feature | V1 | V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons and 5×5 LED display | Yes | Yes |
| GPIO pins | Yes | Yes |
| Radio/Bluetooth, temperature sensing, compass and accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Touch-sensitive gold logo | No | Yes |
| Built-in microphone and microphone indicator | No | Yes |
| Built-in speaker | No | Yes |
You can identify a board by its bottom edge: V2 has a bumpy edge, while V1’s is flat. The official feature comparison focuses on capabilities; it does not establish a current price or performance comparison between generations.
How do you start using a micro:bit?
- Power it up and explore. Use the Foundation’s first steps guide to get acquainted with the board and its controls.
- Make a program in an editor. The Foundation identifies Microsoft MakeCode as its official blocks-based editor. For text-based coding, use the micro:bit Python Editor. It also lists Scratch, Code.org App Lab and other tools as compatible options.
- Transfer the program to the board. A USB lead connects a computer to the board. If you send code from a tablet or phone using Bluetooth, the USB lead is not needed for that transfer.
- Try a project or lesson. Build on the first program with a project that uses the display, buttons or sensors, or explore the Foundation’s teaching materials.
After programming, the board can run on its own when powered by a battery pack. The device and the setup used to send code are therefore separate: you do not need to keep the programming computer connected for a battery-powered project to operate.
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Which coding tool should a beginner choose?
MakeCode for blocks
MakeCode lets learners assemble visual blocks rather than type every instruction. It is a natural starting point for experimenting with inputs, loops and display output. The Foundation labels its MakeCode blocks guidance for ages 8 and up.
Python Editor for text coding
The micro:bit Python Editor is the Foundation’s text-based option. Learners write code directly, which can be useful when they are ready to work with a text language. The Foundation labels its Python text-coding guidance for ages 11 and up.
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Those age labels describe guidance for the coding tools, not a strict eligibility rule for every learner. The Foundation’s general guidance says the device is designed for ages 8 and up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can students make with a micro:bit?
Foundation examples for primary-school activities show how one board can support different kinds of projects:
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- A litter hunt that uses buttons and sensors.
- A step counter that responds to movement.
- Dance steps that use loops.
- An exercise timer.
- A data-logging activity or a simple thermometer.
The Foundation also provides free lessons, curriculum-linked units, projects, printable classroom materials, professional development and a classroom tool for sharing code and tracking progress. Its curriculum mappings cover the USA, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For class activities, it typically recommends at least one micro:bit for every two students.
What do you need to buy?
Check the contents of the particular package before ordering. The official product descriptions distinguish the Single pack from the Go pack, and accessories or availability can vary by market.
| Pack | What the official description says | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One micro:bit V2 board and a safety leaflet. | The two-AAA battery pack and batteries are not included. A USB lead is also not included for the computer connection route. |
| Go | A V2 board with the essentials to power it and start programming. | Confirm the exact included accessories on the product page or box listing for your location. |
For the Single pack, the board needs a battery pack and two AAA batteries to run independently after programming. A USB lead is the computer connection option; it is not required to transfer code from a tablet or phone over Bluetooth. If you later want to expand a project, the GPIO pins can connect categories such as lights, motors and robots. Check connector and electrical requirements before choosing an accessory.
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