Microsoft MakeCode

{{Short description|Educational programming platform by Microsoft for block and text-based coding}}

{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Microsoft MakeCode|timestamp=20250523174548|year=2025|month=May|day=23|substed=yes|help=off}}

{{Infobox software

| name = Microsoft MakeCode

| logo = Microsoft_logo_(2012)_modified.png

| developer = Microsoft

| released = 2017

| latest_release_version =

| repo = {{URL|https://github.com/microsoft/pxt}}

| programming language = TypeScript (React)

| operating_system = Web application, Windows 10, macOS

| platform = Web browser, microcontrollers (e.g., BBC micro:bit, Adafruit Circuit Playground)

| genre = Educational programming platform

| license = MIT License

| website = {{URL|https://makecode.com}}

}}

Microsoft MakeCode is a free, open-source platform developed by Microsoft for creating engaging computer science learning experiences{{cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |title=Microsoft MakeCode helps kids learn how to program hardware |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-makecode-helps-kids-learn-how-to-program-hardware/ |website=ZDNet |date=2017-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}

that support both block-based and text-based programming.{{cite web |title=Block-Based Programming Languages |url=https://code.org/educate/blockly |website=Code.org |access-date=2025-05-23}} It is primarily aimed at students and educators in K–12 environments.{{cite web |title=About Microsoft MakeCode |url=https://makecode.com/about |website=makecode.com |access-date=2025-05-01}}

Overview

MakeCode provides an interactive web-based environment where users can develop code for microcontrollers, including the BBC micro:bit, Adafruit boards, and others. It offers both drag-and-drop block programming (based on Google Blockly) and JavaScript or Python coding views, allowing users to transition from visual to textual coding.{{cite web|url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/design/embedded-systems/video-bbc-micro-bit-user-interface-2015-07/|title=Hands on with the BBC Micro-Bit user interface|last1=Williams|first1=Alun|website=ElectronicsWeekly.com|date=7 July 2015|accessdate=8 July 2015|archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001202640/http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/design/embedded-systems/video-bbc-micro-bit-user-interface-2015-07/|url-status=live}}

The platform includes features such as an integrated simulator, hardware device support, tutorials, and project sharing capabilities.{{cite web |title=BBC micro:bit: A pocket-sized codeable computer |url=https://microbit.org/ |website=micro:bit Educational Foundation |access-date=2025-05-23}} It is widely used in educational settings to teach the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking.{{cite web |title=Microsoft MakeCode Brings Easy Coding to Microcontrollers |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/microsoft-makecode-overview |website=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-05-01}}

Supported devices

BBC micro:bit
Adafruit Circuit Playground Express
Arcade (a virtual handheld game console environment)
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 (limited)
Chibi Chip, Calliope mini, and others

Features

Dual editor: block-based and JavaScript/Python
Hardware simulation
Extensions and custom hardware support
Offline editor support via downloadable apps
GitHub integration{{cite web |title=Microsoft MakeCode GitHub repository |url=https://github.com/microsoft/MakeCode |publisher=GitHub |access-date=2025-05-01}}

Licensing

MakeCode is released under the open-source MIT License, and its source code is available on GitHub.

History

Microsoft MakeCode was first released in 2017 as part of Microsoft’s initiative to support computer science education through engaging, accessible tools.