Table of Contents
Overview
KookaBlockly is a fully functional visual-based programming language (VPL) editor resident on a PC or a Mac.
It is based upon the Scratch VPL and has been designed to edit code in real time on the Kookaberry microcontroller STEM platform.
It does not require access to the internet to write, run, and edit MicroPython programmes on a tethered Kookaberry.
Downloading KookaBlockly
The most efficient effective way to download KookaBlockly onto your computer is to use KookaManager
New firmware is currently under development which will make this process easier.
Creating and editing apps
Connect a Kookaberry to your PC or Mac using the USB-A to mini-USB Power and data lead as indicated. Connect peripherals as required.
Existing Programmes
Open KookaBlockly and use the “Scripts” and Choose a script” dropdown menus to select a previously created or demo programme to Run or edit.
New programmes
If you are creating a new programme, start dragging programming blocks from the menu on the left onto the canvas.
Saving apps to KookaberryScripts
The KookberryScripts folder is where scripts (programmes) created using the KookaSuite software editors (KookaBlockly and KookaIDE) are stored.
KookaBlockly scripts are stored in a KookaBlockly sub-folder. When you click the “SaveAs” button in the editor window you are directed to this sub-folder. You can add as many folders as you like to the KookaberryScripts>KookaBlockly sub folder
Special suffix
All scripts (programmes) using KookaBlockly should be saved with a suffix (kby) added to their name. This should be written as “Name.kby“. They will be saved as “Name.kby.py” files.
When these programmes are saved to a Kookaberry, the .kby suffix will identify them as KookaBlockly programmes.
Scripts (programmes) created using KookaBlockly are still text-based files written in the MicroPython programming language. The additional code which allows for graphical (KookaBlockly) presentation is added to the MicroPython code. An example of the text-based version of the simple KookaBlockly script “mynameis.py” is shown below using the KookaIDE.
NOTE: KookaIDE can run a script created using KookaBlockly, but KookaBlockly cannot run a purely text-based MicroPython script. It needs the extra KookaBlockly code….
Saving apps to a Kookaberry
Save your app to a Kookaberry Scripts folder, and then copy and paste it into the app folder of the connected Kookaberry.
The KookaManager app can also be used to load KookaBlockly apps from KookaberryScripts sub-folders directly onto the Kookaberry
