Mu

If you are into building small and fun electronic gadgets, then there's a good chance that you have heard about MycroPython or the BBC micro:bit.

Without going into too much detail, MycroPython is an efficient and optimized implementation of the popular Python programming language designed to run on micro-controllers with the same name.

Built mainly for MycroPython or the BBC micro:bit-based projects, Mu is an ultra-simplistic, yet efficient integrated development environment designed from the ground up to meet the needs of beginner users who want to learn the ropes of micro-controller programming.

The piece of software can be launched right off the bat since it does not require and type of installation or configuration on your part. Once started, you are greeted by a minimalist but modern-looking main window.

Clearly, the main objective here was to make Mu feel as less intimidating as possible, a goal that has been achieved quite nicely. There are no collections of vast or hidden menus, just a simple code editor with a toolbar on top of it and that is about it.

From the aforementioned top toolbar, you can swiftly start new projects, load already existing ones or save the ones you are working on. This is a good time to point out that the app enables you to work with multiple instances of the same project or multiple projects within its main window.

You can change the dimensions of the code by zooming in and out, as well as choose from two available UI themes, one suited to well-lit environments while the other more suitable for darker workspaces.

Considering it was designed for utter simplicity, it should not come as a surprise that the code editor does not impress either.

You should not expect any code validation tools, smart preview modes, support for snippets or other goodies like that since line numbering, a simple syntax highlighter and basic code completion are just about the only features that offered by MU's editor.

One other thing you should know about this Python-based, lightweight IDE is the fact that it works on all major operating systems out there such as Windows, macOS, Linux and even Raspberry Pi.

Mu is a reliable code editor designed to offer a distraction-free programming environment suitable for taking your very first steps as a novice programmer.