TartLab

Lite web-based MicroPython IDE for embedded devices.

Warning! This is currently in the alpha stage. Nothing is guaranteed to work.

Goals

The primary goal of this project is to enable embedded device programming with MicroPython in a classroom setting while allowing the students to bring their own laptops, tablets, etc. Trying to install USB drivers and applications (such as the Arduino IDE) becomes impractical for larger class sizes, and introduces many unnecessary complications to what should otherwise be fairly simple.

Since many embedded devices have WiFi connectivity built in, why not serve a tiny web-based IDE directly from the device? Once set up, the IDE can be used without the need for any particular drivers, applications, or operating systems. It can be accessed from any browser, from desktop PCs and Macs to Chromebooks, tablets, or phones. The files are loaded and saved directly on the embedded device.

Additionally, it would be great if a community of MicroPython developers would get their start on TartLab and then continue to improve it for others.

Features

Works with any modern web browser
Python code highlighting
REPL-like console

Requirements

Embedded module: Must be able to run MicroPython and have WiFi (See below for more details.)
Embedded storage: 4MB+ recommended
Client device (for development): Any device with a relatively modern browser (keyboard recommended)

Recommended embedded devices

Any device using an ESP32 or ESP8266 processor and providing WiFi support should work. I haven't tested with RP2040/RP2350 devices, but they should be able to be supported as well. Devices with LCD screens are highly recommended, as that simplifies troubleshooting, if needed. LilyGo devices (T-Display-S3, T-Display-S3 Pro) were used to test and develop TartLab, so those should work great.

Screenshots

TartLab in action:

Installation

Install a bin file from MicroPython on the embedded device. Sometimes there are special builds of MicroPython that are specific to your device, in which case you should use those. For those devices without a special build, find the closest thing. For example, the T-Display-S3 would use the "Support for Octal-SPIRAM" version of the ESP32_GENERIC_S3 port.
Use mpsync to load the TartLab "dist" files onto the device.
Restart the device and enjoy!

Operation

Startup modes

There are two different modes of operation:

Note: at present, these modes are reversed, with development mode being the default.

Normal operation: If the user applies power or presses the hard-reset button, the device will begin to execute the user's Python code.
Development mode: If the user holds down the development button while powering up or resetting, the device will begin serving the TartLab IDE.

Connecting to the IDE

If the device cannot connect to a WiFi access point (for example, the first time you start it) it will create its own "soft access point" that you can connect to for configuration (or normal usage, if you prefer). The temporary WiFi access point will be named PyAdjectiveAnimalNumber, which is randomly generated and assigned on the first startup. If you are connected to the temporary WiFi access point, navigate to 192.168.4.1 to access the IDE. If the device is connecting to a different WiFi access point that you have set up (see below), you can navigate to http://tartlab.local or its IP address from a browser.

Setting up WiFi access points

From the IDE, click the gear icon and select WiFi Settings. This dialog will show you any stored WiFi access points, as well as allowing you to add new APs. It will display the SSIDs that were discovered during the startup scan. Note: Most embedded devices only support 2.4GHz WiFi connections, and therefore will only show them in the list of scanned access points.