Micro:bit: the BBC micro:bit V2 board for learning to code
The BBC micro:bit is a small programmable board designed for teaching. It is backed by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to help every child build their digital future. According to the foundation, more than 73 million children in more than 85 countries have learned with micro:bit. It is the ideal tool for discovering code and electronics at school, in a club or at home.
What a micro:bit V2 board contains
- A Nordic nRF52833 microcontroller (Arm Cortex-M4 at 64 MHz) with 512 KB of Flash and 128 KB of RAM.
- A 25-LED matrix (5 x 5), two programmable buttons, a microphone and a speaker.
- An accelerometer, a magnetometer (compass), temperature and light measurement.
- Bluetooth Low Energy and a 2.4 GHz radio so that several boards can communicate with each other.
- A 25-pin edge connector for plugging in accessories: motors, sensors, robots.
Board alone or kit: which to choose?
| Product | Contents | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| BBC micro:bit V2 board | The board alone | You already have a cable and power supply |
| micro:bit GO V2 kit | 1 board, micro-USB cable, 2 AAA battery holder, 2 batteries, guide | A student or parent just starting out |
| micro:bit CLUB V2 kit | 10 boards, 10 cables, 10 battery holders, 20 AAA batteries, 10 guides | A club, a workshop or a small group |
| Kit micro:bit V2.21 Next Gen | 30 V2.21 boards, 30 cables, 30 battery holders, 60 AAA batteries, 32 wristbands, 32 stands | A whole class |
Programming the micro:bit online
No installation is needed: the micro:bit is programmed from the browser. The youngest start with MakeCode and its drag-and-drop blocks, which also allow you to move on to JavaScript. Older learners write in Python with the official editor. The program is transferred over the USB cable, the board appearing as a drive on the computer. Our articles Getting started with the micro:bit: installation, connection and first program and Learning programming with the micro:bit guide you through the first steps. For a first example program, try the coin-toss game with buttons A and B.
Compatibility and pitfalls to avoid
- Cable : the board connects via micro-USB. Use a data cable, not a simple charging cable.
- Standalone power : the 2 AAA battery holder plugs into the board's JST connector; do not exceed this voltage.
- V2 and V2.21 : the V2.21 is a revision of the V2 board. V2 programs and accessories work in the same way.
- Microphone and speaker : they only exist on the V2. Sound projects do not run on an old V1.
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micro:bit FAQ
Can the micro:bit be programmed online?
Yes, entirely from the browser with MakeCode (blocks and JavaScript) or the Python editor, then the program is transferred over USB.
What are the micro:bit's accessory connectors for?
The 25-pin edge connector gives access to the inputs and outputs, the power supply and the communication buses. You plug in expansion boards, robots or sensors.
micro:bit or Arduino: which to choose?
The micro:bit is ready to use with its sensors, its LED display and its block programming: perfect for getting started. An Arduino board requires adding components and wiring, but goes further in electronics.
Which micro:bit kit for a class?
The V2.21 Next Gen kit equips 30 students with boards, cables, batteries, wristbands and stands. The CLUB kit suits a group of 10.