Setting Up Thonny

Get your environment ready by installing and configuring the Thonny IDE to program your Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython.

Introduction

Before you can start programming your Raspberry Pi Pico, you need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that supports MicroPython. Thonny is a beginner-friendly IDE that makes it easy to write and execute Python scripts on your Pico.

What You Will Do in This Lesson

• Install Thonny IDE on your computer.
• Connect your Raspberry Pi Pico.
• Configure Thonny to program with MicroPython.

Step 1: Install Thonny

1. Visit thonny.org to download the latest version of Thonny for your operating system.
2. Follow the installation instructions for your platform:
   • Windows: Run the installer and follow the prompts.
   • MacOS: Drag the Thonny app to your Applications folder.
   • Linux: Use your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install thonny on Debian-based systems).

Step 2: Connect the Raspberry Pi Pico

1. Plug your Raspberry Pi Pico into your computer using a USB cable.
2. Hold down the BOOTSEL button while connecting the USB cable to enter the Pico’s bootloader mode.
3. The Pico should appear as a removable drive on your computer.

Step 3: Install MicroPython on the Pico

1. Open Thonny.
2. From the menu, go to Tools > Options and select the Interpreter tab.
3. Choose MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico) as the interpreter.
4. If prompted, install the MicroPython firmware on your Pico.

Step 4: Verify the Setup

1. In Thonny’s editor, type:

   print("Hello, Pico!")
   

2. Save the script to your Pico and run it. You should see the output in Thonny’s console.

You’re now ready to start programming your Pico!

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