Tulip’s stand-alone creative computer is ideal for distraction-free embedded Python development.
Distraction-free tools are gaining popularity every day as we all try to improve our productivity in this rat race. Most of these tools give you only what you need, but block access to anything that might distract you from the task at hand. But when a distraction-free tool is just a piece of software running on a computer, the user always has the ability to switch windows and go to their favorite option. The solution is dedicated hardware that does not distract, e.g Tulip Creative Computer, designed for Python developers .
Python is probably the most accessible programming language available today. It is easy to master, but it is quite powerful. You can even use special versions of Python, such as CircuitPython and MicroPython, for embedded programming. Most microcontrollers on the market now have the ability to run one of the of these Python versions , and they make the Tulip creative computer possible. In particular, Tulip runs MicroPython. As with desktop versions of Python, users can work directly with the interpreter (as opposed to compiling and deploying the code each time). Tulip Creative Computer loads directly into the interpreter, so programmers can jump right into coding.
Although there is a version of Tulip that runs on regular computers in a simulated environment, Tulip Creative Computer is hardware. It does not run on top of the operating system, but is loaded into the MicroPython interpreter that runs on the microcontroller. It is a dual-core microcontroller Espressif ESP32-S3 powerful, affordable, and easily found in stock at various online stores.
There are several different hardware versions of the Tulip Creative Computer, but the final implementation is similar to a single-board computer built on a custom printed circuit board. It contains an ESP32, a display connector, a USB power/programming port, a USB keyboard port, three 3.5mm audio jacks, MIDI in/out ports, a power switch, and power and I2C access connectors . This single-board option is ideal because it allows for easy connection LCD screen and keyboard. Available ports give you a starting point for developing embedded systems. If you want your Tulip creative computer to remain autonomous, you can connect a rechargeable battery.
If you want to try out Tulip before diving into a full single-board setup, you can connect the hardware to a breadboard or run a Tulip desktop emulation. If you still want to go all out, but don’t know how to solder SMD (surface mount device), a through-hole version is available.
