▼ Click the card below to follow me
▲ Click the card above to follow me
In the world of Python, there are always a bunch of strange “variants”. Some are designed to make data analysis a breeze, while others are specifically tailored for those “tiny” embedded devices—Pycopy is one such little monster. Simply put, it is a lightweight relative of Python, prepared for devices with limited memory and processing power. Who says only Raspberry Pi can run Python? Pycopy allows even a board costing just a few bucks to perform wonders.
What exactly is Pycopy?
Pycopy, as the name suggests, is a “copied” simplified version of Python. It is not the official Python, nor is it a clone of MicroPython, but rather it has made some small innovations. It can fit into a few tens of KB of memory and can run on devices like Linux, STM32, ESP8266, and ESP32. The syntax of Pycopy is quite similar to official Python 3, with variables, data types, conditional statements, loops, and functions all functioning smoothly. However, don’t expect to find some advanced operations and large modules in Pycopy.
Sometimes, when working with embedded systems, resources are as hard to squeeze out as toothpaste. Pycopy, with its lightweight approach, is simply the “king of memory-saving” in Python. If you were to use official Python, it would freeze in no time. Pycopy, on the other hand, allows even hardware novices to create a variety of “smart gadgets”.
Variables and Data Types, Still Playable!
Don’t underestimate Pycopy’s mini size; variable definitions and data types are not lacking at all. Just like standard Python, you can declare variables using assignment without needing type declarations:
# Numeric type
age = 18
# String
name = 'pycopy'
# List
scores = [90, 80, 70]
# Boolean type
is_active = TrueAll of the above variables are recognized by Pycopy. For example, list operations like append and pop can also be used:
scores.append(100)
print(scores) # [90, 80, 70, 100]Friendly reminder: dictionaries (dict) are also supported in Pycopy, but some complex methods may not be fully available, such as the less common fromkeys function. Remember, in embedded systems, simplicity is beauty!
Conditional Statements and Loops, Embedded Still Turns!
Logical conditions in Pycopy are no worse than in official Python. The usual if, elif, and else are all present. Loops can be used freely with for and while.
temperature = 28
if temperature > 30:
print('A bit hot')
elif temperature > 20:
print('Just right')
else:
print('A bit cold')
# for loop running through array
for score in scores:
print(score)The code runs just like it would on a PC with Python. For tasks like timed automatic control and sensor data collection, these loops and conditional statements are essential.
Friendly reminder: Pycopy’s for loop supports range, but the range object is not exactly the same as in official Python, for example, it may not support all slicing operations. The more you play with it, the more you’ll realize it’s truly simplified.
Functions and Modules, Embedded Can Also Be Structured
Don’t worry, the way to define functions in Pycopy is quite similar to Python 3. Just write def, pass the parameters, and leave the rest to your brain:
def add(x, y):
return x + y
result = add(3, 5)
print(result) # 8Modules can also be imported, but some standard libraries have been trimmed in Pycopy. For example, common modules like os and sys have simplified versions, while modules like random and math can still be used. You can also import your own written py files.
Friendly reminder: Some embedded boards only have a read-only file system, so importing custom modules may be limited. It is recommended to write all the functions you need in the main file instead of expecting modules to be scattered around.
Classes and Objects, OOP Can Also Take Small Steps
OOP enthusiasts need not worry; Pycopy can also write classes and objects. The syntax is the same as Python 3, but it lacks many advanced features. Writing a small class for hardware encapsulation is completely sufficient:
class LED:
def __init__(self, pin):
self.pin = pin
def on(self):
print('LED on, pin=', self.pin)
def off(self):
print('LED off, pin=', self.pin)
my_led = LED(2)
my_led.on()The output directly shows LED on, pin=2. If you are truly using hardware control, you can write GPIO control code in the on and off methods. Pycopy’s OOP is a bit “slimmed down”, but the three essentials (init, self, and methods) are all present.
Friendly reminder: Inheritance and polymorphism can also be played with, but don’t expect to use multiple inheritance, metaclasses, or decorators—those “black magic” features. Embedded systems are not magic departments; being able to run is already a win!
File Operations and Exception Handling, Be Careful Not to Fall into Pits
Some embedded boards can support file systems (like the ESP32 after flashing firmware), and Pycopy can read and write files, but the interface is much simpler than the official version.
with open('data.txt', 'w') as f:
f.write('pycopy rocks!')Reading files is similar:
with open('data.txt') as f:
content = f.read()
print(content)Friendly reminder: Some boards do not have a file system at all, and open will throw an error. It’s best to check the documentation before coding. For exception handling, basic operations like try…except can be used, but don’t expect to use complex custom exception hierarchies.
try:
1 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('Division by zero!')The output will be 除零啦！ (Division by zero!). Simple and straightforward, just enough.
List Comprehensions and Lambda, Memory-Saving Writing
Pycopy supports list comprehensions and lambda functions, with syntax similar to Python 3, making it a great tool for saving code.
squares = [x * x for x in range(5)]
print(squares) # [0, 1, 4, 9, 16]
add = lambda a, b: a + b
print(add(2, 3)) # 5Using lambda too much is unnecessary; embedded devices already have tight memory, so avoid excessive complexity.
Friendly reminder: List comprehensions are only suitable for small-scale data; don’t expect to generate a million elements in one go. If you do, the board will freeze up to show you!
Summary and Thoughts
The operations in Pycopy are quite similar to official Python, but it is noticeably lighter and faster. Daily operations like variables, data types, conditional statements, loops, functions, classes, and list comprehensions are all included. Although the standard library is simplified, the core functionalities are not lacking. For automation, IoT, and small smart hardware in embedded devices, Pycopy is definitely sufficient. Before coding, be mindful not to use too many memory-hogging features. In the embedded world, simplicity is the hard truth.
When writing embedded scripts, don’t be afraid to experiment; Pycopy is your Swiss Army knife, and even with just a small knife, you can create new wonders.
Like and share
Let money and love flow to you