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Can You Program LEGO Boost With Python?

Published in LEGO Boost Programming 4 mins read

Yes, you absolutely can program LEGO Boost with Python.

While the official LEGO Boost app uses a visual block-based programming language, it is indeed possible to control your LEGO Boost creations using the popular Python programming language. This opens up possibilities for more complex behaviors, integration with other systems, and leveraging Python's extensive libraries.

How Python Programming for LEGO Boost Works

The core of the LEGO Boost set is the Move Hub, which serves as the central controller. This Hub is essentially a piece of hardware that communicates wirelessly using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Control is achieved by sending specific commands to the Move Hub over this wireless connection.

As the provided reference highlights: "One of the ways to issue these commands is to write Python program using this library". This indicates that there are specific Python libraries available that handle the low-level communication with the Move Hub, allowing you to control motors, read sensor data, and interact with the lights directly from your Python code.

Using Python gives you direct control over:

  • Motors: Precisely control the speed and direction of the built-in motors and external motors.
  • Color & Distance Sensor: Read color values, distance measurements, and detect gestures.
  • Tilt Sensor: Get the orientation of the Move Hub.
  • Light: Change the color and brightness of the status light.
  • External Ports: Control other connected sensors or motors.

Benefits of Using Python with LEGO Boost

Programming LEGO Boost with Python offers several advantages over the standard visual programming app:

  • Advanced Logic: Implement more complex algorithms and control flows that might be difficult with block-based programming.
  • Integration: Connect your LEGO creation to other devices, APIs, or software using Python's vast ecosystem.
  • Text-Based Coding: Transition to text-based programming, which is a fundamental skill in software development.
  • Automation: Create scripts to automate tasks involving your LEGO Boost models.

Getting Started

To program your LEGO Boost with Python, you typically need:

  1. A LEGO Boost set (specifically the Move Hub).
  2. A computer (PC, Mac, or Raspberry Pi) with Bluetooth support.
  3. A compatible Python installation.
  4. A specific Python library designed for communicating with LEGO Boost (examples include Pybricks or boostmove from the reference context, among others developed by the community).

These libraries abstract the complex BLE communication, allowing you to write simple Python code like:

# Example (syntax depends on the specific library)
from boost import MoveHub

hub = MoveHub()
hub.motor_a.run_for_degrees(360, 500) # Rotate motor A 360 degrees at speed 500
hub.light.set_color('blue')
hub.sleep(2)
hub.disconnect()

This process involves installing the library, connecting to the Move Hub via Bluetooth, and then sending commands using the library's functions.

Comparison: Python vs. Block Programming

Feature LEGO Boost App (Blocks) Python Programming
Ease of Use Very easy for beginners, visual drag-and-drop Requires understanding text syntax
Complexity Best for basic to intermediate projects Ideal for advanced and complex projects
Capabilities Limited by available blocks Limited only by Python's capabilities
Integration Primarily self-contained Easy integration with other systems
Learning Curve Gentle Steeper, but transferable skill

Using Python allows you to move beyond the built-in app's capabilities and truly unlock the potential of the LEGO Boost hardware.

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