micro:bit Starter Template

A ready-to-use template for BBC micro:bit V2 robotics projects using Microsoft MakeCode (TypeScript).

Quick Start

Option 1: GitHub Codespaces (recommended)

1. Click "Use this template" → "Create a new repository"
2. Open your new repo and click "Code" → "Codespaces" → "Create codespace"
3. Wait for setup to complete (first time takes a few minutes)
4. Start editing src/robot.ts — that's where your code goes

Option 2: Local Setup (macOS / Linux)

1. Click "Use this template" → "Create a new repository"
2. Clone your new repo
3. Run npm run setup
4. Start editing src/robot.ts

Project Structure

File	Purpose
src/robot.ts	Your code goes here. Add functions for your robot.
src/main.ts	Demo program — shows what the micro:bit can do. Replace with your own.
test/test.ts	Test file — exercises your robot functions.
pxt.json	Project config. Add new source files here or they'll be ignored.

Build & Deploy

Command	What it does
npm run build	Compile your code to a .hex file
npm run deploy	Build and flash to your micro:bit
npm run test	Build with test files included
npm run setup	Re-run setup (if something breaks)

Adding Extensions

To use a motor driver, sensor library, or other MakeCode extension:

1. Find the extension's GitHub URL (e.g., microsoft/pxt-neopixel)
2. Add it to pxt.json under "dependencies":

   "dependencies": {
       "core": "*",
       "neopixel": "microsoft/pxt-neopixel#v0.7.5"
   }

3. Run npm run setup to install it

Adding New Files

Important: MakeCode requires every source file to be listed in pxt.json.

• New .ts files in src/ → add to "files" array
• New .ts files in test/ → add to "testFiles" array
• New .cpp files → add to "files" array

If you create a file but forget to add it to pxt.json, it will be silently ignored. No error, no warning.

Get Help

This project includes an AI coding assistant (Claude Code) that knows how to work with MakeCode and micro:bit. Ask it:

• "How do I add a motor driver extension?"
• "Why am I getting this compiler error?"
• "How do I make my function show up as a block?"
• "Help me write code for the line follower challenge"

License

MIT