🔧 7 Essential Software & Tools to Start Raspberry Pi Pico Development (2025)


Video: Raspberry Pi Explained in 100 Seconds.








So, you’ve got your hands on a Raspberry Pi Pico and you’re itching to bring your microcontroller projects to life. But wait—what software and tools do you actually need to get started? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many beginners dive in only to get tangled in confusing setups or endless downloads. Here at Why Pi™, we’ve distilled years of hands-on experience into a clear, step-by-step guide that covers everything from beginner-friendly IDEs to advanced debugging tools.

Did you know the Raspberry Pi Pico’s custom RP2040 chip supports both MicroPython and C/C++ programming, but each path requires a different set of tools? Stick around, and we’ll reveal the best IDEs, flashing methods, and even a secret community-made Windows installer that will save you hours of frustration. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned maker, this article will equip you with the exact software and hardware essentials to hit the ground running.

Key Takeaways

  • MicroPython with Thonny IDE is the easiest and fastest way to start coding your Pico, perfect for beginners.
  • For power users, the official C/C++ SDK unlocks full hardware control but requires a more complex setup.
  • The UF2 bootloader enables drag-and-drop flashing—simple but not ideal for rapid development.
  • Use a debug probe or a second Pico with Picoprobe firmware for advanced debugging and faster iteration.
  • Windows users should leverage the community-built automated installer to simplify environment setup.
  • Essential hardware includes the Pico board, a data-capable micro-USB cable, and basic prototyping components like LEDs and resistors.

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico Starter Kits and Accessories:

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted according to your specifications.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Welcome, future Pico-pros! You’ve got your hands on a Raspberry Pi Pico, the mighty microcontroller that’s taken the maker world by storm. But before you can make it blink, bleep, or launch a tiny rocket (please be careful with that last one), you need the right digital toolkit. Here at Why Pi™, we’ve spent countless hours tinkering, coding, and yes, occasionally letting the magic smoke out, all to bring you the definitive guide.

Think of this as your treasure map. X marks the spot where your brilliant ideas become reality. Let’s get you geared up!

Feature / Tool Quick Fact & Why It Matters
🧠 The Brain The Pico is powered by the RP2040, Raspberry Pi’s first-ever custom-designed chip. It’s a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ beast!
🗣️ Main Languages You have two main paths: MicroPython (easy, beginner-friendly) or C/C++ (fast, powerful, more complex).
💾 Flashing Method The famous UF2 Bootloader. Hold the BOOTSEL button, plug it in, and your Pico appears as a USB drive. Just drag and drop your code!
✅ Recommended IDE For beginners, Thonny IDE is the undisputed champion for MicroPython. It’s simple and just works.
🚀 Pro-Level IDE Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is the versatile powerhouse for both MicroPython and C/C++, but the C/C++ setup can be tricky.
💸 Cost All the essential software we’re about to discuss is 100% free. Your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief.
🐛 Debugging The easiest way is using print() statements. The pro way is using the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface with a second Pico or a Debug Probe.

Pico’s Pedigree: Understanding the RP2040 Chip and Its Origins


Video: Meet the Engineers (Part 1): Get to Know the Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040.







For years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation conquered the world of single-board computers. But then, in a move that shook up the electronics industry news, they dove headfirst into the microcontroller arena. They didn’t just pick an off-the-shelf chip; they designed their own silicon from the ground up. The result? The RP2040.

Why is this a big deal? Because it means the chip was tailor-made for hobbyists, educators, and engineers like us. It’s not some repurposed industrial component; it’s built for making cool stuff.

The RP2040’s key features are:

  • Dual-Core ARM Cortex-M0+ Processor: Think of it as having two brains that can work on tasks simultaneously. This is fantastic for projects that need to do two things at once, like monitoring sensors while updating a display.
  • Loads of RAM: With 264KB of on-chip SRAM, it has significantly more memory than many of its competitors, like the Arduino Uno.
  • Programmable I/O (PIO): This is the secret sauce. PIO is like having a team of tiny, super-fast co-processors that you can program to handle custom hardware protocols. Need to talk to a weird, old-school component? PIO can probably do it without bogging down the main processor. It’s a game-changer. You can learn more about its architecture directly from the official RP2040 datasheet.

Understanding the RP2040 isn’t just trivia; it helps you appreciate why the Pico is so capable and what makes it different from the sea of other microcontrollers out there.

1. Your Pico & Its Pals: Essential Hardware for Getting Started


Video: Raspberry Pi Pico – A Beginners Guide.








Before we touch a single line of code, let’s make sure your physical workbench is ready. Software is useless without the hardware to run it on! Here’s the absolute minimum you’ll need to follow along with 99% of beginner tutorials.

  • The Star of the Show: A Raspberry Pi Pico or a Raspberry Pi Pico W. The ‘W’ version adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is amazing for IoT projects. We highly recommend getting one with pre-soldered headers to save you a headache.
  • The Lifeline: A good quality Micro-USB cable. And we mean good quality. Make sure it’s a data cable, not just a charging cable. We’ve seen countless beginners pull their hair out for hours only to realize their cable couldn’t transfer data. Don’t be that person!
  • The Stage: A solderless breadboard. This is where you’ll build your circuits without any permanent connections.
  • The Connections: A set of jumper wires (male-to-male, male-to-female). You can never have too many.
  • The Supporting Cast: A handful of basic components. At a minimum, grab some LEDs and resistors (220Ω or 330Ω are perfect for LEDs). This is all you need for the “Hello, World!” of electronics: blinking an LED.

For a deeper dive into components, check out our Electronic Component Reviews.

👉 Shop Pico Starter Kits on:

2. Speaking Pico’s Language: MicroPython vs. C/C++ SDK


Video: Intro to Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040 – C/C++ Part 1: VS Code and Blink | Digi-Key Electronics.








Okay, hardware is set. Now for your first big decision. How are you going to talk to your Pico? This choice will define your entire development experience. It’s like choosing between learning Spanish or Klingon—both get you communicating, but the learning curve and community are… different.

2.1. MicroPython: Your Friendly Entry Point

If you’re new to microcontrollers or programming, start here. MicroPython is a lean and efficient version of the Python 3 programming language, optimized to run on microcontrollers.

  • ✅ Pros:

    • Easy to Learn: The syntax is clean, readable, and forgiving. If you’ve ever written a line of Python, you’ll feel right at home.
    • Interactive (REPL): You can connect to the Pico and type commands directly, getting instant feedback. This is incredible for testing and debugging.
    • Rapid Prototyping: You can go from idea to a blinking light in minutes.

  • ❌ Cons:

    • Slower Performance: It’s an interpreted language, so it will never be as fast as code compiled down to raw machine instructions (like C++).
    • Less “Bare-Metal” Control: You’re a step removed from the hardware, which can be a limitation for highly specialized, performance-critical tasks.

For most DIY Electronics projects, MicroPython is more than powerful enough and a joy to use.

2.2. C/C++ SDK: Power and Performance Unleashed

If you crave speed, need to squeeze every last drop of performance out of the RP2040, or are working on a complex project where timing is critical, the official C/C++ SDK is your weapon of choice.

  • ✅ Pros:

    • Maximum Performance: Your code is compiled directly to machine code, making it incredibly fast and efficient.
    • Total Hardware Control: You can directly manipulate registers and access every feature of the RP2040, including the powerful PIO.
    • Vast Existing Libraries: The world of embedded C/C++ is immense, with decades of libraries and code examples to draw from.

  • ❌ Cons:

    • Steep Learning Curve: C/C++ is less forgiving than Python. You’ll need to manage memory and understand pointers.
    • Complex Setup: As one reviewer, Wayne Johnson, put it, the setup can be “finicky” with a “concoction of software and compilers needed” especially on Windows. This is the path for the patient and determined.

2.3. CircuitPython: An Alternative Flavor

We have to mention the other heavyweight in the room: CircuitPython. Forked from MicroPython by the brilliant folks at Adafruit, it’s designed with one goal in mind: to be the easiest way to program microcontrollers.

It shares many of MicroPython’s pros but doubles down on simplicity and has an enormous ecosystem of libraries for almost any sensor or component you can imagine. If you’re using Adafruit hardware, it’s a no-brainer.

Aspect MicroPython C/C++ SDK CircuitPython
Best For Beginners, Rapid Prototyping Performance, Pro-Users Absolute Beginners, Adafruit Ecosystem
Learning Curve Low High Very Low
Performance Good Excellent Good
Key Feature Interactive REPL Bare-metal control Huge library support

3. Your Digital Workbench: Choosing the Right IDE for Pico Development


Video: Pico Course for Beginners | Coding, Electronics and Microcontrollers.








An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is your digital command center. It’s where you’ll write, edit, manage, and send code to your Pico. As one user on the Raspberry Pi forums wisely noted, “it doesn’t include an editor or IDE, but that is a personal choice.” Let’s help you make that choice.

3.1. Thonny: The Beginner’s Best Friend for MicroPython

If you chose the MicroPython path, stop reading and go download Thonny. Seriously. It’s a lightweight Python IDE designed for teaching and learning.

The Raspberry Pi team recommends it for a reason. It automatically detects your Pico, helps you install the MicroPython firmware with a few clicks, and gives you a direct shell (REPL) to interact with your board. It has a built-in file manager to see what scripts are on your Pico. It’s the definition of a smooth “out-of-the-box” experience.

3.2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): The Versatile Powerhouse

VS Code is the Swiss Army knife of code editors. It’s free, incredibly powerful, and can be configured to do just about anything, including Pico development for both MicroPython and C/C++.

  • For MicroPython: With extensions like Pico-W-Go, you can get a Thonny-like experience with more advanced features like code completion and Git integration.
  • For C/C++: This is where things get… interesting. It’s the preferred environment for serious C/C++ development, but the setup is not for the faint of heart. As noted in a review on waynejohnson.net, the build process can be “excruciatingly long.” Pro-tip from that review: try disabling your antivirus software during compilation, as it can dramatically speed things up! On Windows, you’ll often need to launch VS Code from the special “Developer Command Prompt” to get all the environment variables set correctly.

3.3. Arduino IDE: Familiar Territory for Makers

What’s that? You’re coming from the world of Arduino and love the simplicity of the Arduino IDE? Good news! You can use it to program the Pico.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of Earle F. Philhower, III, there’s a third-party board manager core (Arduino-Pico) that adds RP2040 support. This lets you write code in the familiar setup() and loop() structure and use many Arduino libraries. It’s a fantastic bridge for those transitioning from the Arduino ecosystem.

3.4. Other Code Editors: Sublime Text, Atom, and More

Of course, you can use any text editor you love, like Sublime Text or Atom. However, you’ll be giving up the “integrated” part of the IDE. This means you’ll need to use command-line tools to compile your C++ code or use a tool like rshell to upload your MicroPython scripts. It’s a perfectly valid workflow for experts who love their custom setups.

4. Flashing Fun: Getting Your Code Onto the Raspberry Pi Pico (UF2 & Firmware)


Video: Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Setup: The Beginner’s Guide (2025).








“Flashing” is just a cool-sounding word for transferring your program to the microcontroller’s memory. With the Pico, this process is pure magic.

4.1. The UF2 Bootloader: Drag, Drop, and Deploy!

This is one of the Pico’s killer features. Here’s how it works:

  1. Unplug your Pico from your computer.
  2. Press and hold the BOOTSEL button.
  3. While still holding the button, plug the Pico back into your computer.
  4. Release the button.

Voilà! A new drive called RPI-RP2 will appear on your computer, just like a USB flash drive. Your code, once compiled, will be in a special file format called .uf2 (USB Flashing Format). To program the Pico, you just drag and drop this .uf2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive. The Pico will automatically absorb the code, reboot, and start running your program. It’s that simple.

Now, is this the best for rapid development where you’re changing code every 30 seconds? Maybe not. Constantly unplugging the board can be a drag. This is the “rough edge” that reviewers have pointed out. But don’t worry, we have a solution for that in the debugging section!

4.2. Understanding Firmware and Runtime Environments

There’s a key difference here between the two language paths:

  • For MicroPython/CircuitPython: The first .uf2 file you drag over is the firmware. This file is the entire Python interpreter. You only do this once (or when you want to update it). After that, you use an IDE like Thonny to save your individual .py script files to the Pico’s filesystem. The firmware then runs your script.
  • For C/C++: Your compiled program is the .uf2 file. Every time you make a change and recompile, you generate a new .uf2 file that you need to drag over to the Pico.

5. Setting Up Your Pico Playground: OS-Specific Development Environment Setup


Video: Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming.








This is where the rubber meets the road. The C/C++ setup process, in particular, varies quite a bit depending on your operating system. Let’s break it down.

5.1. Windows Wonders: Setting Up Your Pico Dev Environment on PC

Ah, Windows. The source of much joy and, for C/C++ Pico developers, some initial pain. The official documentation requires you to manually install ARM GCC Compiler, CMake, Python, Git, and Visual Studio Build Tools. It’s a lot of steps.

But wait! The community has provided a hero. A user on the Raspberry Pi forums created an automated installer for Windows. As they describe it, its purpose is “To provide an easy-to-use installer for getting started with the C/C++ SDK for the Raspberry Pi Pico.”

We strongly recommend you use this installer. It automates the entire tedious process and will save you a massive headache.

If you’re a glutton for punishment or need a custom setup, you can follow the official manual installation guide (Chapter 9). Just be prepared to be patient.

5.2. macOS Magic: Getting Started with Pico on Your Mac

Mac users have it a bit easier. The best way to get the C/C++ toolchain is with Homebrew, the package manager for macOS. Once Homebrew is installed, it’s as simple as opening a terminal and running:

brew install cmake
brew tap ArmMbed/homebrew-formulae
brew install arm-none-eabi-gcc

After that, you can clone the SDK and examples from GitHub and start building. The process is much more streamlined than on Windows.

5.3. Linux Love: Pico Development on Your Favorite Distro

Linux, especially Debian-based systems like Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu, is the native environment for Pico development. The Raspberry Pi Foundation even provides a handy setup script.

  1. First, install the prerequisites. On a Debian-based system, you’d run: 
    sudo apt update
sudo apt install cmake gcc-arm-none-eabi libnewlib-arm-none-eabi build-essential
  2. Then, you can clone the pico-sdk and pico-examples repositories and you’re good to go. As one forum user puts it, on Linux, “Countless other languages and tools are available for free with a simple ‘sudo apt install xxx’.” It’s the path of least resistance for C/C++ development.

6. Debugging Demystified: Squashing Bugs in Your Pico Projects


Video: How to Debug the Raspberry Pi Pico Using Another Pico! – Picoprobe and VSCode Tutorial.







Your code doesn’t work. It happens to all of us. Debugging is the art of figuring out why. Here are the tools for your detective kit.

6.1. Serial Monitor: Your First Line of Defense

This is the simplest form of debugging. You sprinkle print() statements throughout your code to see what’s happening.

  • In MicroPython with Thonny, these messages appear directly in the “Shell” window.
  • In C/C++, you need to enable USB or UART output and then use a serial monitor program to view the messages. Popular options include:
    • PuTTY (a classic on Windows)
    • Tera Term
    • The built-in serial monitor in the Arduino IDE or VS Code (via the PlatformIO extension).

Remember to set the correct COM port for your Pico and the standard baud rate of 115200.

6.2. SWD Debugging: Peeking Inside the Pico’s Brain

Remember the annoyance of constantly unplugging your Pico to flash new code? Serial Wire Debug (SWD) is the cure. This is a powerful interface that lets you do some amazing things right from your IDE:

  • Flash code without unplugging: No more BOOTSEL dance!
  • Set breakpoints: Pause your code at any line to inspect the state of things.
  • Step through code: Execute your program one line at a time.
  • Inspect variables: See the value of any variable in real-time.

To use SWD, you need a debug probe. This is a small piece of hardware that sits between your computer and the Pico’s three dedicated debug pins (SWDIO, SWCLK, GND). You have two great options:

  1. The Official Raspberry Pi Debug Probe: A purpose-built, affordable tool that makes the process easy.
  2. Another Pico: That’s right! You can flash one Pico with special “Picoprobe” firmware and use it to debug a second Pico. It’s the ultimate two-for-one deal.

Setting up SWD debugging is an advanced topic, but once you do it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the single biggest upgrade to your microcontroller programming workflow.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

7. Level Up Your Pico Skills: Advanced Tools & Next Steps


Video: Everything you need to start with the Pi Pico.








You’ve mastered the basics. You can blink LEDs in your sleep. What’s next? It’s time to add some more powerful tools to your arsenal.

7.1. External Libraries and Modules

You don’t have to write everything from scratch. The community has created thousands of libraries to control everything from displays to sensors to motors.

  • In MicroPython/CircuitPython: You typically just copy the library’s .py file or folder onto your Pico’s filesystem. Tools like circup for CircuitPython can automate this.
  • In C/C++: You’ll usually add the library as a Git submodule to your project and link it in your CMakeLists.txt file.

7.2. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

When your project gets really complex—managing multiple sensors, a network connection, and a user interface all at once—you might need an RTOS like FreeRTOS. An RTOS helps you manage multiple tasks (threads) and ensures that critical operations happen on time. The Pico’s dual cores can run FreeRTOS on both cores, making it a tiny multitasking powerhouse.

7.3. Version Control with Git

This is non-negotiable for any serious project. Git is a tool that tracks every change you make to your code. It’s like having an infinite “undo” button and a complete history of your project. When used with a site like GitHub or GitLab, it also serves as a backup and a way to collaborate with others. Start using it from day one. You will thank us later.

Pico Power-Up: Where to Find Help and Inspiration


Video: Raspberry Pi Pico – Review and Getting Started.








No maker is an island. When you get stuck (and you will), here’s where to turn for help, inspiration, and camaraderie.

  • The Official Documentation: The Raspberry Pi documentation is, without a doubt, some of the best in the industry. It’s clear, comprehensive, and full of examples. Read it.
  • The Official Forums: The Raspberry Pi Forums have a dedicated section for the Pico. It’s a great place to ask questions and learn from experts.
  • Reddit: The r/raspberry_pi and r/RASPBERRY_PI_PROJECTS subreddits are full of amazing DIY electronics projects and helpful people.
  • Discord: Many maker-focused Discord servers have channels dedicated to microcontrollers where you can get real-time help.

Your First Pico Project: Sparking Inspiration for Beginners


Video: Getting Started | Raspberry Pi Pico Workshop: Chapter 1.1.








Theory is great, but nothing beats building something. Now that you have your tools, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Here are a few classic first projects to try:

  1. The Blink: The “Hello, World!” of hardware. Make an LED connected to a GPIO pin turn on and off. This confirms your entire toolchain is working.
  2. The Button: Read the state of a push-button. Make the LED turn on only when you press the button. This introduces you to digital inputs.
  3. The Fade: Use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to make an LED smoothly fade in and out instead of just blinking.
  4. The Thermometer: The Pico’s RP2040 has a built-in temperature sensor! Write a program to read it and print the temperature to the serial monitor.

Completing even one of these simple projects will give you a huge confidence boost and a solid foundation to build upon. Now go make something amazing

Conclusion

red strawberry on white surface

So, what have we learned on this whirlwind tour of Raspberry Pi Pico development? The Pico is a remarkable microcontroller that punches well above its $5 price tag. Its custom RP2040 chip offers dual-core power, generous RAM, and programmable I/O, making it a versatile choice for beginners and pros alike.

Positives:

  • Easy initial programming with UF2 drag-and-drop flashing — no complicated flashing tools needed.
  • MicroPython support with beginner-friendly IDEs like Thonny makes it a perfect entry point for newcomers.
  • Powerful C/C++ SDK unlocks full hardware potential for advanced users.
  • Affordable and widely supported with a vibrant community and excellent documentation.
  • Flexible debugging options, from simple serial print statements to professional SWD debugging.

Negatives:

  • The C/C++ development environment setup on Windows can be tricky and slow, especially without the community’s automated installer.
  • The BOOTSEL button flashing method, while simple, is not ideal for rapid iterative development.
  • Some rough edges remain in tooling and workflow, especially for those used to the plug-and-play simplicity of Arduino IDEs.

Our verdict? The Raspberry Pi Pico is a highly recommended microcontroller for anyone wanting to dive into embedded systems, especially if you’re interested in learning MicroPython or exploring low-level C/C++. Beginners will appreciate the gentle learning curve with MicroPython and Thonny, while power users can leverage the full might of the RP2040 with C/C++ and SWD debugging.

If you’re a Windows user, grab the automated installer to save yourself hours of setup frustration. If you want to speed up your development cycle, invest in a debug probe or a second Pico for SWD debugging.

Remember that initial question about rapid development and the BOOTSEL button? Now you know: SWD debugging is the answer that lets you skip the unplugging dance and dive straight into debugging bliss.

Ready to get started? Your Pico adventure awaits!

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico and Accessories:

Books for Deeper Learning:

  • Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico by Agus Kurniawan — Amazon
  • Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico: Getting Started with MicroPython by Simon Monk — Amazon
  • Exploring Raspberry Pi: Interfacing to the Real World with Embedded Linux by Derek Molloy — Amazon

FAQ

sliced strawberries on white ceramic plate

What are the minimum hardware requirements for Raspberry Pi Pico development?

At minimum, you need:

  • A Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W board.
  • A micro-USB data cable (not just charging).
  • A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  • Optional but recommended: a breadboard, jumper wires, LEDs, and resistors for prototyping circuits.

This setup lets you write, flash, and test your code. For advanced debugging, a debug probe or a second Pico is needed.

What programming languages are supported by Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Pico supports:

  • MicroPython: Beginner-friendly, interpreted language.
  • C/C++: Using the official Raspberry Pi Pico SDK for maximum performance.
  • CircuitPython: An Adafruit fork of MicroPython with extensive libraries.
  • Arduino C++: Via the third-party Arduino-Pico core, allowing use of Arduino IDE and libraries.

Each language has its pros and cons, so choose based on your experience and project needs.

Read more about “Where to Buy Raspberry Pi Pico in 2025 + 7 Price Secrets 🛒”

Can I use Raspberry Pi Pico with a Windows or macOS operating system?

✅ Yes! The Pico is OS-agnostic for basic programming via UF2 flashing and MicroPython.

  • Windows: Requires installing tools like ARM GCC, CMake, Python, and Visual Studio Build Tools for C/C++ development. Use the automated installer to simplify setup.
  • macOS: Use Homebrew to install dependencies easily.
  • Linux: The most straightforward environment, with native package managers and scripts.

Read more about “Unlocking 1 Million Digits of Pi: Secrets, Uses & Fun (2025) 🔢”

What are the best IDEs for Raspberry Pi Pico development and how do I install them?

  • Thonny: Best for MicroPython beginners. Download from thonny.org.
  • Visual Studio Code: Powerful for both MicroPython and C/C++. Download from code.visualstudio.com. Use extensions like Pico-Go for MicroPython or configure for C/C++ builds.
  • Arduino IDE: Familiar for Arduino users; install the Arduino-Pico core via the Boards Manager.
  • Others: Geany, Sublime Text, Atom, or Vim can be used with manual build/upload workflows.

How do I set up a development environment for Raspberry Pi Pico?

  • For MicroPython, flash the MicroPython UF2 firmware using the BOOTSEL method, then use Thonny or VS Code to write and upload scripts.
  • For C/C++, install the ARM GCC toolchain, CMake, Git, and build tools (Visual Studio Build Tools on Windows). Clone the pico-sdk and pico-examples repositories, then build using CMake.
  • Use the automated Windows installer to simplify setup on Windows.
  • On macOS and Linux, use package managers like Homebrew or apt-get to install dependencies.

Read more about “25 Beginner-Friendly Raspberry Pi Pico Projects to Try in 2025 🚀”

Are there any specific libraries or frameworks required for Raspberry Pi Pico development?

  • The official pico-sdk provides hardware abstraction and drivers for C/C++.
  • MicroPython comes with a standard library tailored for microcontrollers.
  • CircuitPython offers a vast ecosystem of libraries for sensors, displays, and more.
  • Third-party libraries like Arduino-Pico extend Arduino compatibility.
  • For advanced projects, frameworks like FreeRTOS can be used for multitasking.

What are some essential tools and software for debugging and testing Raspberry Pi Pico projects?

  • Serial Monitor: Use print() statements and a serial terminal (PuTTY, Tera Term, or IDE-integrated) to view debug output.
  • SWD Debugging: Use a debug probe or a second Pico running Picoprobe firmware to perform hardware debugging with breakpoints and step execution.
  • IDE Debuggers: VS Code with Cortex-Debug extension supports SWD debugging.
  • Logic Analyzers and Oscilloscopes: Useful for hardware signal debugging.
  • Unit Testing Frameworks: For C/C++, frameworks like Unity can be integrated.

For more on microcontroller programming and DIY electronics, explore Why Pi™’s Microcontroller Programming and DIY Electronics categories.

We hope this guide lights your path to Pico mastery. Happy hacking! 🚀

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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