Firmware downloads are available from the downloads page on circuitpython.org. The site makes it easy to select the correct file and language for your board.
Installation
To install follow the instructions in the Welcome to CircuitPython! guide. To install the latest libraries, see this page in that guide.
Try the latest version of the Mu editor for creating and editing your CircuitPython programs and for easy access to the CircuitPython serial connection (the REPL).
CircuitPython has a number of “ports” that are the core implementations for different microcontroller families. Stability varies on a per-port basis. As of this release, these ports are consider stable:
atmel-samd: Microchip SAMD21, SAMx5x
cxd56: Sony Spresense
espressif: Espressif ESP32-S2
nrf: Nordic nRF52840, nRF52833
raspberrypi: Raspberry Pi RP2040
stm: ST STM32F4 chip family
These ports are considered alpha and will have bugs and missing functionality:
broadcom: Raspberry Pi boards such as RPi 4, RPi Zero 2W
espressif: ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3
litex: fomu
mimxrt10xx: NXP i.MX RT10xxx
stm: ST non-STM32F4 chip families
Changes since 8.0.4
Fixes and enhancements
Prevent startup loop when settings.toml is edited. #7810. Thanks @jepler.
Build and infrastructure changes
Make build_board_info.py fetch files.json properly when it is larger than 1MB. #7728. Thanks @Neradoc and @dhalbert.
Known issues
ESP32-S3 has significant issues with I2C devices that sleep or use clock stretching. Retry operations on these devices as necessary, or use ESP32-S2 boards.
Espressif boards have ESP-IDF storage leaks and occasionally crash after extended WiFi use.
See https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython/issues for other issues, including issues still to be addressed for:
Thank you to all who used, tested, and contributed since 8.0.4, including the contributors above, and many others on GitHub and Discord. Join us on the Discord chat to collaborate.
Adafruit publishes a wide range of writing and video content, including interviews and reporting on the maker market and the wider technology world. Our standards page is intended as a guide to best practices that Adafruit uses, as well as an outline of the ethical standards Adafruit aspires to. While Adafruit is not an independent journalistic institution, Adafruit strives to be a fair, informative, and positive voice within the community – check it out here: adafruit.com/editorialstandards
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 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!