Python Development Environment Setup

Complete guide to setting up Python on your computer for Universe 2025 (Tufty) Badge development, including virtual environments and all necessary tools.

Quick Start (First Time Setup)

If you're brand new and just want to get started quickly:

# 1. Check if Python is installed
python3 --version
# If not installed, see "Install Python" section below

# 2. Create project directory
mkdir ~/badge-projects
cd ~/badge-projects

# 3. Create virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv

# 4. Activate it
source venv/bin/activate  # macOS/Linux
# venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1 # Windows

# 5. Install badge tools
pip install mpremote

# 6. Test badge connection
mpremote exec "print('Badge connected!')"
# Should print: Badge connected!

# ✓ You're ready! Continue to badger-quickstart skill

If any command fails, continue with the detailed instructions below.

Prerequisites Check

Before starting detailed setup, check what you already have:

# Check Python version
python3 --version

# Check pip
pip3 --version

# Check if tools are installed
which mpremote
which ampy
which rshell

Install Python

macOS

Option 1: Using Homebrew (Recommended)

# Install Homebrew if not already installed
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Python
brew install python3

# Verify installation
python3 --version
pip3 --version

Option 2: Using python.org installer

1. Download from https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Run installer
3. Check "Add Python to PATH"
4. Complete installation

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

# Update package list
sudo apt update

# Install Python 3 and pip
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv

# Verify installation
python3 --version
pip3 --version

Linux (Fedora/RHEL)

# Install Python 3
sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

# Verify installation
python3 --version
pip3 --version

Windows

Option 1: Using winget (Windows 10/11)

# Install Python
winget install Python.Python.3.11

# Restart terminal, then verify
python --version
pip --version

Option 2: Using python.org installer

1. Download from https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Run installer
3. IMPORTANT: Check "Add Python to PATH"
4. Check "Install pip"
5. Complete installation
6. Restart terminal

Option 3: Using Microsoft Store

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Search for "Python 3.11"
3. Install
4. Verify in terminal

Create Project Directory

Set up a dedicated directory for Badger 2350 projects:

# Create project directory
mkdir -p ~/badger-projects
cd ~/badger-projects

# Create your first project
mkdir my-badge-app
cd my-badge-app

Set Up Virtual Environment

Virtual environments isolate project dependencies and prevent conflicts.

Create Virtual Environment

# Create venv in project directory
python3 -m venv venv

# Alternative name
python3 -m venv .venv

Activate Virtual Environment

macOS/Linux:

# Activate
source venv/bin/activate

# Your prompt should change to show (venv)
(venv) user@computer:~/badger-projects/my-badge-app$

# Deactivate when done
deactivate

Windows (PowerShell):

# Enable script execution (first time only)
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

# Activate
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

# Deactivate when done
deactivate

Windows (Command Prompt):

# Activate
venv\Scripts\activate.bat

# Deactivate when done
deactivate

Verify Virtual Environment

# Should show venv Python, not system Python
which python3  # macOS/Linux
where python   # Windows

# Should be venv location like:
# ~/badger-projects/my-badge-app/venv/bin/python3

Install Badger Development Tools

With virtual environment activated:

Core Tools

# Install mpremote (recommended primary tool)
pip install mpremote

# Install ampy (alternative file management)
pip install adafruit-ampy

# Install rshell (interactive shell)
pip install rshell

# Install esptool (firmware flashing)
pip install esptool

# Verify installations
mpremote --version
ampy --version
rshell --version
esptool.py version

Optional Development Tools

# Thonny IDE (beginner-friendly)
pip install thonny

# Code quality tools
pip install black      # Code formatter
pip install pylint     # Linter
pip install mypy       # Type checker

# Testing tools
pip install pytest     # Testing framework
pip install pytest-cov # Coverage reporting

# Documentation tools
pip install mkdocs     # Documentation generator
pip install sphinx     # Alternative documentation

Save Dependencies

Create requirements.txt to track dependencies:

# Generate requirements.txt
pip freeze > requirements.txt

Example requirements.txt:

mpremote==1.20.0
adafruit-ampy==1.1.0
rshell==0.0.32
esptool==4.6.2
black==23.12.1
pylint==3.0.3
pytest==7.4.3

Install from requirements.txt

# Install all dependencies at once
pip install -r requirements.txt

# Or upgrade existing
pip install -r requirements.txt --upgrade

Configure Tools

mpremote Configuration

Create alias for easier use:

macOS/Linux (.bashrc or .zshrc):

# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
alias badge='mpremote connect /dev/tty.usbmodem*'

# Reload shell
source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc

# Usage
badge ls
badge cp main.py :main.py

Windows (PowerShell profile):

# Open profile
notepad $PROFILE

# Add alias
function badge { mpremote connect COM3 @args }

# Reload
. $PROFILE

# Usage
badge ls

ampy Configuration

Set default port to avoid typing it each time:

macOS/Linux:

# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
export AMPY_PORT=/dev/tty.usbmodem*

# Reload
source ~/.bashrc

Windows:

# Add to PowerShell profile
$env:AMPY_PORT = "COM3"

# Or set permanently
[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("AMPY_PORT", "COM3", "User")

Verify Complete Setup

Run this verification script:

# verify_setup.sh (macOS/Linux)
#!/bin/bash

echo "Verifying Badger 2350 Development Setup"
echo "========================================"

# Check Python
if command -v python3 &> /dev/null; then
    echo "✓ Python: $(python3 --version)"
else
    echo "✗ Python not found"
    exit 1
fi

# Check pip
if command -v pip3 &> /dev/null; then
    echo "✓ pip: $(pip3 --version)"
else
    echo "✗ pip not found"
    exit 1
fi

# Check virtual environment
if [[ "$VIRTUAL_ENV" != "" ]]; then
    echo "✓ Virtual environment: active"
else
    echo "⚠ Virtual environment: not active"
fi

# Check tools
tools=(mpremote ampy rshell esptool.py)
for tool in "${tools[@]}"; do
    if command -v $tool &> /dev/null; then
        echo "✓ $tool: installed"
    else
        echo "✗ $tool: not installed"
    fi
done

echo "========================================"
echo "Setup verification complete!"

Make executable and run:

chmod +x verify_setup.sh
./verify_setup.sh

Windows PowerShell version:

# verify_setup.ps1
Write-Host "Verifying Badger 2350 Development Setup"
Write-Host "========================================"

# Check Python
if (Get-Command python -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
    $version = python --version
    Write-Host "✓ Python: $version"
} else {
    Write-Host "✗ Python not found"
    exit 1
}

# Check pip
if (Get-Command pip -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
    Write-Host "✓ pip: installed"
} else {
    Write-Host "✗ pip not found"
    exit 1
}

# Check virtual environment
if ($env:VIRTUAL_ENV) {
    Write-Host "✓ Virtual environment: active"
} else {
    Write-Host "⚠ Virtual environment: not active"
}

# Check tools
$tools = @("mpremote", "ampy", "rshell", "esptool.py")
foreach ($tool in $tools) {
    if (Get-Command $tool -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
        Write-Host "✓ $tool: installed"
    } else {
        Write-Host "✗ $tool: not installed"
    }
}

Write-Host "========================================"
Write-Host "Setup verification complete!"

Test Badge Connection

Once tools are installed, test connection to badge:

# List serial ports (macOS/Linux)
ls /dev/tty.usb*

# List serial ports (Windows PowerShell)
[System.IO.Ports.SerialPort]::getportnames()

# Test connection with mpremote
mpremote connect /dev/tty.usbmodem* exec "print('Hello from Badger!')"

# Or on Windows
mpremote connect COM3 exec "print('Hello from Badger!')"

# If successful, you should see: Hello from Badger!

Project Template

Create a standard project structure:

# Create structure
mkdir -p my-badge-app/{lib,assets,data,tests}
cd my-badge-app

# Create files
touch main.py config.py README.md requirements.txt
touch lib/__init__.py
touch tests/test_main.py

# Create .gitignore
cat > .gitignore <<EOF
# Virtual environment
venv/
.venv/
env/

# Python
__pycache__/
*.pyc
*.pyo
*.pyd
.Python

# IDE
.vscode/
.idea/
*.swp
*.swo

# OS
.DS_Store
Thumbs.db

# Local config
config.local.py
.env
EOF

# Initialize git
git init

Project structure:

my-badge-app/
├── venv/                # Virtual environment (gitignored)
├── main.py              # Main application
├── config.py            # Configuration
├── requirements.txt     # Python dependencies
├── README.md
├── .gitignore
├── lib/                 # Reusable modules
│   └── __init__.py
├── assets/              # Images, fonts, etc.
├── data/                # Runtime data
└── tests/               # Test files
    └── test_main.py

IDE Setup

VS Code (Recommended)

# Install VS Code
# macOS
brew install --cask visual-studio-code

# Linux
sudo snap install code --classic

# Windows
winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode

Recommended Extensions:

1. Python (Microsoft)
2. Pylance
3. Python Debugger
4. MicroPython (for syntax)
5. GitLens

VS Code Settings (.vscode/settings.json):

{
  "python.defaultInterpreterPath": "${workspaceFolder}/venv/bin/python",
  "python.formatting.provider": "black",
  "python.linting.enabled": true,
  "python.linting.pylintEnabled": true,
  "editor.formatOnSave": true,
  "files.exclude": {
    "**/__pycache__": true,
    "**/*.pyc": true
  }
}

PyCharm

1. Download from https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/
2. Open project directory
3. Configure interpreter: Settings → Project → Python Interpreter
4. Select existing venv or create new one

Thonny (Beginner-Friendly)

# Install Thonny
pip install thonny

# Or download from https://thonny.org

# Run
thonny

Configure Thonny for Badger:

1. Tools → Options → Interpreter
2. Select "MicroPython (RP2040)"
3. Select correct port
4. Click OK

Workflow Scripts

Activate Script

Create activate.sh in project root:

#!/bin/bash
# activate.sh - Quick project activation

# Activate virtual environment
source venv/bin/activate

# Set badge port
export BADGE_PORT="/dev/tty.usbmodem*"

# Show status
echo "Badge development environment activated!"
echo "Python: $(which python3)"
echo "Badge port: $BADGE_PORT"

# Quick commands
alias badge='mpremote connect $BADGE_PORT'
alias deploy='./deploy.sh'

echo "Ready to develop!"

Usage:

source activate.sh
# Now you're ready to work!

Quick Deploy Script

Create deploy.sh:

#!/bin/bash
# deploy.sh - Quick deploy to badge

if [ -z "$BADGE_PORT" ]; then
    BADGE_PORT="/dev/tty.usbmodem*"
fi

echo "Deploying to badge..."
mpremote connect $BADGE_PORT cp main.py :main.py
mpremote connect $BADGE_PORT cp config.py :config.py
echo "Deployment complete!"

Make executable:

chmod +x deploy.sh activate.sh

Common Setup Issues

"command not found: python"

macOS/Linux:

# Use python3 instead of python
python3 --version  # This should work

# If python3 also not found, install Python (see Install Python section above)

# Optional: Create alias for convenience
alias python=python3
alias pip=pip3
# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc to make permanent

Windows:

# Use python instead of python3
python --version

# If not found, reinstall Python with "Add to PATH" checked

Important: On macOS/Linux, always use python3 and pip3 (not python and pip).

Python not in PATH

macOS/Linux:

# Add to PATH in ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"
export PATH="/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH"  # For M1/M2 Macs

# Reload shell
source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc

Windows:

• Reinstall Python with "Add to PATH" checked
• Or manually add to PATH:
  • System Properties → Environment Variables
  • Add C:\Python311 and C:\Python311\Scripts

pip install fails with permissions error

# Don't use sudo! Use virtual environment instead
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install mpremote

Virtual environment activation fails (Windows)

# Enable scripts (run as Administrator)
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

# Then activate normally
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

Badge not detected

macOS:

# Check if driver needed (usually automatic)
ls /dev/tty.usb*

# Grant permissions
sudo chmod 666 /dev/tty.usbmodem*

Linux:

# Add user to dialout group
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER

# Logout and login for changes to take effect

# Or use sudo temporarily
sudo mpremote connect /dev/ttyACM0

Windows:

• Install USB driver if needed
• Check Device Manager for COM port
• Try different USB ports

mpremote connection fails

# Try explicit port
mpremote connect /dev/tty.usbmodem14201

# List available ports
mpremote connect list

# Auto-detect port (usually works)
mpremote exec "print('Hello')"

# Check if badge is in bootloader mode
# (Hold BOOTSEL button while connecting)

"can't open file" or "No such file" errors

If you see errors like can't open file 'test_connection.py':

# This means the script doesn't exist yet

# Option 1: Use basic verification instead
mpremote exec "print('Badge connected!')"

# Option 2: Create the missing script (see badger-diagnostics skill)

# Option 3: Use direct mpremote commands instead of scripts
mpremote run my_app/__init__.py  # Instead of make commands

Common missing files on first setup:

• test_connection.py - Use mpremote exec for basic testing instead
• deploy.sh - Use direct mpremote cp commands instead
• Apps/examples - Create them as you go

Don't let missing scripts block you - use the direct mpremote commands shown in CLAUDE.md and skills.

Update Tools

Keep tools updated:

# Activate virtual environment first
source venv/bin/activate

# Update pip itself
pip install --upgrade pip

# Update all packages
pip install --upgrade mpremote ampy rshell esptool

# Or update from requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements.txt --upgrade

⚠️ Verify Your Setup

CRITICAL: Always verify your setup is working correctly before starting development.

Complete Verification Checklist

Run through this checklist every time you start a new session:

# 1. Verify Python installation
python3 --version
# Should show: Python 3.8.0 or higher

# 2. Verify virtual environment is activated
which python3
# Should show path to venv/bin/python3 (not system Python)

# 3. Verify tools are installed
mpremote --version
ampy --version
# Both should show version numbers

# 4. Verify badge is connected
ls /dev/tty.usb*        # macOS/Linux
# OR
# [System.IO.Ports.SerialPort]::getportnames()  # Windows

# 5. Test badge connection
mpremote connect /dev/tty.usbmodem* exec "print('Hello from Badge!')"
# Should print: Hello from Badge!

# 6. Verify badgeware module
mpremote connect /dev/tty.usbmodem* exec "import badgeware; print('badgeware OK')"
# Should print: badgeware OK

Automated Verification Script

Create verify_setup.sh in your project:

#!/bin/bash
# verify_setup.sh - Complete environment verification

echo "=========================================="
echo "Badger 2350 Environment Verification"
echo "=========================================="

errors=0

# Check Python
if command -v python3 &> /dev/null; then
    version=$(python3 --version)
    echo "✓ Python: $version"
else
    echo "✗ Python not found"
    ((errors++))
fi

# Check virtual environment
if [[ "$VIRTUAL_ENV" != "" ]]; then
    echo "✓ Virtual environment: active ($VIRTUAL_ENV)"
else
    echo "⚠ Virtual environment: not active"
    echo "  Run: source venv/bin/activate"
    ((errors++))
fi

# Check mpremote
if command -v mpremote &> /dev/null; then
    echo "✓ mpremote: installed"
else
    echo "✗ mpremote: not installed"
    echo "  Run: pip install mpremote"
    ((errors++))
fi

# Check badge connection
if mpremote connect list 2>&1 | grep -q "usb"; then
    echo "✓ Badge: detected"

    # Test REPL
    if mpremote exec "print('OK')" 2>&1 | grep -q "OK"; then
        echo "✓ Badge REPL: working"
    else
        echo "✗ Badge REPL: not responding"
        ((errors++))
    fi

    # Test badgeware module
    if mpremote exec "import badgeware" 2>&1; then
        echo "✓ badgeware module: available"
    else
        echo "✗ badgeware module: not found"
        ((errors++))
    fi
else
    echo "✗ Badge: not detected"
    echo "  Check USB connection"
    ((errors++))
fi

echo "=========================================="
if [ $errors -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "✓ ALL CHECKS PASSED - Ready for development!"
    exit 0
else
    echo "✗ $errors ERROR(S) FOUND - Fix issues before proceeding"
    exit 1
fi

Make executable: chmod +x verify_setup.sh

Run this script before every development session: ./verify_setup.sh

What to Do If Verification Fails

Issue	Solution
Python not found	Reinstall Python, check PATH
venv not active	Run source venv/bin/activate
Tools not installed	Run pip install -r requirements.txt
Badge not detected	Check USB cable, try different port
REPL not responding	Restart badge, check for other programs using port
badgeware missing	Badge firmware may need reflashing

Never skip verification - It catches 90% of issues before they become problems.

Best Practices

1. Always verify setup first - Run verification script at start of session
2. Always use virtual environments - Isolate project dependencies
3. Keep requirements.txt updated - pip freeze > requirements.txt
4. Use version control (git) - Track changes
5. Document your setup - Update README.md
6. Test on clean environment - Verify requirements.txt is complete
7. Don't commit venv/ - Add to .gitignore
8. Pin versions - Avoid "works on my machine" issues

Next Steps

After setup is complete:

1. ✓ Python installed
2. ✓ Virtual environment created
3. ✓ Tools installed (mpremote, ampy, etc.)
4. ✓ Badge connected and detected
5. ✓ Project structure created

Now you're ready to:

• Flash firmware to badge (see badger-2350-dev skill)
• Create your first app (see badger-app-creator skill)
• Connect sensors (see badger-hardware skill)

Your development environment is ready! 🎉