There are several firmware versions available for programming the ESP32 and ESP8266 boards. We recommend using the uPyCraft IDE to program the ESP32 or ESP8266 board using MicroPython firmware. The uPyCraft IDE runs on all major operating systems. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to install uPyCraft IDE on a Mac OS X.
If you’re using a different operating system, make sure you follow the right guide:
- Install uPyCraft IDE – Windows PC Instructions
- Install uPyCraft IDE – Linux (Ubuntu 16.04) Instructions
After installing uPyCraft IDE on your PC, we recommend reading: Getting Started with MicroPython on ESP32 and ESP8266.
Installing Python 3.X – Mac OS X
Make sure Python 3.X is installed on your PC in its most recent version before installing the uPyCraft IDE. Should you choose not to, follow the next set of steps to install Python 3.X using the brew command. Type the next command while in a terminal window:
$ brew install python3As soon as the installation procedure is finished, please wait a few seconds.
Allowing Apps Downloaded to Run
uPyCraft IDE is not a verified app on the App Store since it is open source and downloaded from the Internet. Mac OS X blocks unknown apps from running on your PC for security reasons. To make any downloaded software run on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Open the “System Preferences...” menu.
2. Open the “Security & Privacy” menu.
3. To modify your “Security & Privacy” settings, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner:
4. Type your username and password and click the “Unlock” button.
5. Finally, select the option “Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere“.
That’s it; you can close that window.
![Arduino UNO R4 WiFi [ABX00087] - Renesas RA4M1 / ESP32-S3 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, CAN, DAC, OP AMP, Qwiic Connector, 12x8 LED Matrix](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416S910MpBL.jpg)
Installing uPyCraft IDE – Mac OS X
The ESP32 or ESP8266 boards will be programmed for this tutorial using the MicroPython firmware and the uPyCraft IDE. In our view, the uPyCraft IDE was the simplest way to program ESP-based boards with MicroPython at the time.
You can learn more about uPyCraft IDE on their GitHub repository or explore the uPyCraft IDE source code.
Downloading uPyCraft IDE for Mac OS X
Click here to download uPyCraft IDE for Mac OS X, After a few seconds, you should see a similar file (uPyCraft_mac_VX.zip) in your Downloads folder:
You should see a new file called uPyCraft after unzipping uPyCraft_mac_VX.zip. The uPyCraft file should be double-clicked:
Press the “Open” button to run it:
Here’s what should open:
![Official Arduino Starter Kit [K000007] (English Projects Book) - 12 DIY Projects with All Necessary Electronic Components and Instructions - origianl kit by Arduino from Italy](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fPv6DsjQL.jpg)
We'll be programming our ESP-based boards as well as flashing them with MicroPython firmware using this software.
Follow the next tutorial to flash your ESP boards with the MicroPython firmware:
Conclusion
We hope you find this tutorial useful. This quick tutorial shows how to install uPyCraft IDE on a Mac OS X. If you use a different operating system, you should read one of the following guides:
- Install uPyCraft IDE – Windows PC Instructions
- Install uPyCraft IDE – Linux (Ubuntu 16.04) Instructions
If you like ESP8266, you may also like:
- Get MAC Address of ESP32/ESP8266 and Change It (Arduino IDE)
- ESP8266 NodeMCU Deep Sleep with Arduino IDE
- Build a Water Level Control System Using ESP8266 NodeMCU
- How to Post on Twitter using an ESP8266
We hope you find this tutorial useful. Thanks for reading.
