Arduino Brings Its MicroPython Editor to the Cloud with a Browser-Based Web App Release

Arduino has announced a new version of its Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor, but this version's got a twist: it runs entirely in-browser, without having to download any additional software.

"We're excited to announce the release of the web-based version of the Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor," the Arduino team writes of its latest software release. "This lightweight platform makes it even easier to code with MicroPython using Arduino hardware such as Alvik, Nano ESP32, Nano RP2040 Connect, Nano 33 BLE Sense – and more!"

Arduino launched the Arduino Lab for MicroPython back in November 2022, offering it as an option alongside its usual C-language Arduino IDE, working in partnership with OpenMV and MicroPython author Damien George to launch an integrated development environment supporting the MicroPython virtual machine on a range of the company's microcontroller platforms. Now, it's a first-class citizen — to the point where it's the preferred way to program Alvik, the company's dual-microcontroller educational robotics platform.

This latest version, though, aims to make things easier: rather than having to download and install the Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor, users will be able to run it directly in-browser — even connecting to compatible microcontroller boards over WebSerial in supported Chromium-based browsers, listed as Chrome, Opera, and Edge at launch. This latter feature will be of particular interest for classrooms, bringing as it does support for programming on Google Chromebook devices.

"Please note that the editor is still in its 'lab' phase," the Arduino team warns early adopters of the tool, "so expect ongoing changes, improvements, and bug fixes of course."

The Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor is available now on its dedicated microsite; users of unsupported WebSerial-lacking browsers, including Mozilla Firefox, will not be able to access it, even as a simple editor.