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MicroBlocks is a free, open-source block-programming environment for controlling real microcontrollers. Its key difference from many introductory coding setups is that it sends code to the board as you build, so the program can run from the board’s Flash memory and keep working after you disconnect the computer.
What is MicroBlocks?
MicroBlocks lets you use Scratch-like blocks to read sensors and control physical components. Click or arrange blocks to turn on LEDs, play music, move a servo or motor, or respond to inputs such as buttons, light, temperature and acceleration. Libraries add support for particular components and functions, including displays, buzzers, NeoPixels, distance sensors and communications protocols.
The project is designed for students, educators and curious makers learning physical computing through immediate feedback and hands-on problem solving. The official MicroBlocks site describes that educational mission and identifies John Maloney as lead developer, Bernat Romagosa as a developer associated with Snap4Arduino, and Kathy Giori as global partnerships and outreach lead.
How does MicroBlocks work?
Build and test while connected
MicroBlocks incrementally compiles blocks and downloads the resulting code to the connected microcontroller. This live workflow lets you change a program and observe how the hardware responds without treating the board as just a display for code running on the computer. You can also plot sensor readings live, which helps make changing inputs easier to inspect.
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- TYPE-C interface, not easy to break
- ATMega 32U4 AU running at 5V/16MHz,supported under IDE v1.0.1
- On-Board micro-USB connector for programming
- 4 x 10-bit ADC pins
- 12 x Digital I/Os (5 are PWM capable)
Keep the finished program on the board
The downloaded program is stored in the microcontroller’s persistent Flash memory. After programming, the board can run the project without the computer attached, including from battery power. That makes MicroBlocks useful for projects intended to operate independently rather than only during a connected coding session.
Which boards and components can you use?
BBC micro:bit for a first project
The BBC micro:bit is a documented beginner board. MicroBlocks automatically adds its Basic Sensors and LED Display libraries, making the board’s built-in inputs and display available in the environment. To use an external component, add the relevant library and specify the pins to which the component is connected.
Rank #2
- START CODING WITH THE ELEGOO UNO R3: Connect the included USB cable, upload your first sketch, and build sensor, motor, display, and automation projects, making it a practical controller for maker desks, classrooms, coding clubs, and robotics labs
- ATMEGA328P CORE FOR EVERYDAY PROJECTS: A 16 MHz clock, 32 KB flash, 14 digital I/O pins with 6 PWM outputs and 6 analog inputs provide a versatile foundation for LEDs, buttons, relays, servos, displays and sensors
- RELIABLE USB PROGRAMMING AND CLEAR WIRING: The ATmega16U2 USB interface supports sketch uploads and serial communication, while clearly labeled headers help simplify connections to jumper wires, shields and modules
- POWER AND EXPAND YOUR WAY: Run the board from USB or a recommended 7-12 V external supply, then add compatible shields and modules for data logging, automation, robotics, test fixtures and custom electronics projects
- BOARD AND USB CABLE INCLUDED: Comes with 1 ELEGOO UNO R3 development board and 1 USB-A to USB-B data cable; breadboard, sensors, shields and power adapter are not included, and younger learners should work with an experienced adult
ESP32 and ESP8266 for connected projects
ESP32 and ESP8266 families support Wi-Fi and are suited to networked physical-computing projects. The documented examples include networked clocks and Web Thing projects connected to Snap! or the Mozilla WebThings Gateway. MicroBlocks’ described communications options include Wi-Fi, HTTP, peer-to-peer radio, I2C, SPI and infrared.
External sensors and actuators
With the appropriate library and pin setup, projects can use components such as motors, servos, buzzers, NeoPixels and distance sensors. Check that a library supports your particular board and component before wiring a project; the availability of a library for one combination does not establish compatibility with every board.
Rank #3
- With ATmega32U4, running at 5V/16MHz.
- Supported under IDE v1.0.1.
- 12 x Digital I/Os (5 are PWM capable).
- Rx and Tx Hardware Serial Connections.
- On-board micro-USB connector for programming.
What can you make with MicroBlocks?
- Interactive devices: Read buttons, light, temperature or accelerometer input and respond with LEDs, sound or movement.
- Sensor visualizations: Plot incoming sensor data live, or use sensor readings in a step-counting project.
- Connected projects: Use Wi-Fi or other supported communications for networked clocks and Web Thing experiments.
- Classroom explorations: Give learners a way to connect a block-level instruction to a physical result, then adjust the program and observe the change.
Is MicroBlocks a good fit for beginners?
MicroBlocks is a strong fit when the goal is to learn coding by making something respond in the physical world. Blocks lower the barrier to experimenting with inputs and outputs, while live updates make cause and effect visible. The micro:bit workflow offers a documented place to start; more involved builds may require selecting libraries, identifying board pins and checking component compatibility.
For an IoT project, ESP32 or ESP8266 support and the listed network protocols are relevant, but the environment’s support does not remove the need to understand the board, wiring and service or gateway a project connects to. MicroBlocks is best understood as a way to program supported hardware, not as a guarantee that every component or online service will work together automatically.
Rank #4
- 【ACEBOTT ESP32 Development Board】 - Powerful WiFi and wireless development board, driven by the rugged ESP 32 module, seamlessly integrated with Arduino IDE. With Hall sensors, high-speed SDIO/SPI, UART, I2S and I2C, it is the cornerstone of IoT and smart home innovation.
- 【Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Arduino Cloud Compatibility】 - This board uses 2.4GHz dual-mode WiFi and wireless chips with low-power technology, which are RoHS-compliant, simplifying wireless communication and allowing you to easily connect devices and platforms. Whether you are using a compatible Arduino IDE or exploring other development environments, our board can easily adapt to your needs.
- 【Improved and Professional Edition】 - All IO pins are brought out for easy development; no additional breadboard is required; the Type-C interface is equipped with electrostatic discharge protection diodes and transient voltage suppression diodes to protect the chip from damage by electrostatic breakdown and various surge pulses. In addition, it is equipped with a freeRTOS operating system, which is very suitable for the Internet of Things, smart homes, and building smart robots/game consoles.
- 【Easy to Use】- The ACEBOTT ESP-32 Development Board includes everything you need to support the microcontroller. Just connect it to a computer via a USB cable or use an AC-DC adapter or battery to power it to start using it. Whether you are an experienced developer or a hobbyist, this development board can provide you with the tools you need for unlimited innovation.
- 【 Install Plugins And Download Drivers】: This ESP32 development board includes detailed instructions on how to download plugins and all necessary programs and codes from the network environment. The path is: ACEBOTT official website - Resources - WIKI.
How does MicroBlocks differ from a computer-tethered block environment?
The defining distinction is where the finished program runs. MicroBlocks downloads code to the microcontroller and stores it in Flash, enabling untethered operation. That is particularly useful when the learning goal is a self-running physical device. Its live sensor plotting and support for communications also extend the work from basic input/output experiments to data-focused and networked projects.
Kathy Giori introduced the platform in Make:’s Volume 74 — 2020 Boards Guide, published July 31, 2020, and called it “the answer” for enjoying physical computing and making IoT devices. That article documents the examples and board workflow described here; hardware libraries and connected-service compatibility should be checked for the specific project being built.
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