Embedded Files
CircuitPython is a beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontrollers like the Feather ESP32-S3. You write your code in a plain .py file, save it to the board's USB drive, and it runs instantly — no compiling or flashing needed. It's maintained by Adafruit and includes a large library of drivers for their hardware like displays, sensors, and microphones.
CircuitPython is a beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontrollers like the Feather ESP32-S3. You write your code in a plain .py file, save it to the board's USB drive, and it runs instantly — no compiling or flashing needed. It's maintained by Adafruit and includes a large library of drivers for their hardware like displays, sensors, and microphones.
Required software:
Required software:
Download and install Visual Studio Code
Install the CircuitPython extension
Open VS Code → click the Extensions icon in the left sidebar (the four squares).
Search "CircuitPython".
Install "CircuitPython v2" by wmerkens — this is the actively maintained one.
Click Trust Workspace & Install if prompted.
Connect the board
Connect the board
Plug the CircuitPython board in with a known-good data USB cable.
In VS Code, go to File → Open Folder and select the whole CIRCUITPY drive (not just a file inside it).
Set the board
Set the board
Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P).
Run CircuitPython: Choose CircuitPython Board and pick the exact board model from the list. We're using Adafruit Feather ESP32S3 4MB Flash 2MB PSRAM
Serial console / REPL
Serial console / REPL
Command Palette(Cmd+Shift+P) → CircuitPython: Open Serial Monitor
Pick the serial port with the Feather listed behind it.
Add this starter code:
Add this starter code:
Here's the code with comments (what are comments?)
Save the code and watch it run in the terminal.
Save the code and watch it run in the terminal.
If you don't see it running, press the port connection button at the bottom of the window
Change what the print statement says and the time.sleep( ).
Then save and see the changes in the Terminal window.
Change what the print statement says and the time.sleep( ).
Then save and see the changes in the Terminal window.
If you don't see it running, press the port connection button at the bottom of the window
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