…If we were going to inspire the next generation of coders, easier entry into the world of computer science would be important. To accomplish this, we designed a high-level programming language with text and graphical input modalities along with a simple yet powerful set of programming libraries. Today, the language, Static TypeScript (STS), is used in all seven MakeCode editors, and its ability to meet the demands of programs requiring higher levels of performance is on full display in the latest addition to the platform, MakeCode Arcade.
With Arcade, STS lets developers of all skill levels easily write cool retro-style pixelated games—think Super Mario Bros., but even better because it’s designed by the user—to be run either inside a virtual game console in the browser or on inexpensive microcontroller-based handhelds.
Throwing back with MakeCode Arcade
While memory usage requirements initially guided the design of the MakeCode runtime system and slow execution time isn’t generally a significant problem for most MakeCode editors, execution performance became paramount with Arcade. Arcade sports a 160 × 120 pixel screen with a palette of 16 colors, a four-channel retro-appropriate sound synthesizer, and six game buttons plus menu and reset. Arcade hardware runs on MCUs with around 100 KB of RAM running at around 100 megahertz.
To provide enough performance while still allowing a high-level of abstraction, MakeCode compiles a subset of TypeScript directly to Arm Thumb machine code, all locally in the MakeCode web application, so no installation is required. After the first load, the MakeCode web app runs fully offline, as it doesn’t rely on cloud service for compilation. Programs are then transferred using a familiar USB flash drive mechanism or directly with the new WebUSB standard.
Check out the Adafruit PyBadge – MakeCode and MakeCode Arcade compatible.
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Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
