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Creating with MakeCode is simple and easy

For most of the products MakeCode works with, all you need is a computer with an internet connection—there's nothing to download or install. MakeCode is free and works across all platforms and browsers.

Pick one of the MakeCode supported products below and follow the steps to get started.

A young student works with the Chibi Chip hardware in a classroom.

Explore the different products

Pick the product you want to work with. If you're not sure, feel free to browse through a few to get an idea of what each of them can do—they all make learning computer science a lot of fun!
The micro:bit chip with two prongs connected to it.
micro:bit logo

micro:bit

The micro:bit is a small programmable computer with an LED screen, two buttons, a light sensor, Bluetooth antenna, accelerometer, compass and more! From dancing robots to banana keyboards, your micro:bit has all the features you need to create amazing projects—the possibilities are endless!

1. Purchase a micro:bit

You can buy micro:bits for your classroom from the Micro:bit Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization who has a global reseller network.

Search resellers by country

2. Use MakeCode online or as an app

If you have Windows 10 computers in your classroom, the MakeCode for micro:bit app makes downloading programs to the micro:bit easier, and includes support for serial data logging. If you don't have a Windows 10 computer, use MakeCode online.

Install the MakeCode micro:bit app 

Go to MakeCode online

3. Explore projects and curriculum

Browse the free Introduction to Computer Science curriculum, science experiments, or any of the micro:bit student projects to get ideas for using the micro:bit in your classroom.

Explore projects and courses

Circuit Playground Express hardware lit up with different colors of lights.
Circuit Playground Express logo

Circuit Playground Express

The Circuit Playground Express provides a great introduction to electronics and programming. It has 10 multi-color NeoPixels, a motion sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, and a microphone and speaker, plus much more! Create a siren alarm, a watch timer, or a magic wand with just a few blocks of code.

1. Purchase a micro:bit

You can buy micro:bits for your classroom from the Micro:bit Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization who has a global reseller network.

Search resellers by country

2. Use MakeCode online or as an app

If you have Windows 10 computers in your classroom, the MakeCode for micro:bit app makes downloading programs to the micro:bit easier, and includes support for serial data logging. If you don't have a Windows 10 computer, use MakeCode online.

Install the MakeCode micro:bit app 

Go to MakeCode online

3. Explore projects and curriculum

Browse the free Introduction to Computer Science curriculum, science experiments, or any of the micro:bit student projects to get ideas for using the micro:bit in your classroom.

Explore projects and courses

Minecraft game with MakeCode editor on the screen.
Minecraft logo

Minecraft

Minecraft is a game about placing and breaking blocks, where the only limit is the player’s imagination. It’s also a creative platform for teaching and learning computer science—build a program to summon a storm of chickens or create your own mini-game for friends to play!

1. Purchase Minecraft

You can download and install Minecraft for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, or if you are a school you can purchase Minecraft: Education Edition for Windows 10 and macOS.

Visit the Minecraft: Education page

Install Minecraft for Windows 10

2. Install Code Connection

Download and install the free Code Connection app for Windows 10 or MacOS.

Install the Code Connection app

3. Connect MakeCode to Minecraft

Follow step-by-step instructions to connect MakeCode to Minecraft and start coding!

Connect MakeCode to Minecraft

4. Explore curriculum and resources

Use the Introduction to Computer Science curriculum, or any of the MakeCode for Minecraft tutorials to introduce students to computational thinking with Minecraft.

Explore tutorials and courses

Arcade Games
Arcade Logo

MakeCode Arcade

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a retro 2D online game development environment. With a few blocks or lines of code, you can create your own custom games for others to play. Try creating a Maze game, a Treasure Hunt, or a Spaceship game – building your favorite Arcade games has never been so easy!

1. Use MakeCode online

Coding with MakeCode Arcade is done entirely in a web browser, so students and teachers can create games on any device or platform. No software to download or install!

Use MakeCode online

2. Purchase handheld game consoles

Optionally you can download and play your MakeCode Arcade games on a handheld gaming device.

Explore MakeCode hardware

3. Get started with tutorials and curriculum

Browse through any of the MakeCode Arcade tutorials or game samples to learn how to build your own games, and use the free online Intro to CS Arcade curriculum in your classroom.

Explore tutorials and curriculum

A person programming the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set.
LEGO MINDSTORMS logo

LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3

Technology and computer science come to life with LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 which comes with different sensors and motors that can be programmed. Students can build robots that can navigate mazes, sort colors, or act as a musical instrument!

1. Get LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3

Purchase the MINDSTORMS Education EV3 kit online from LEGO Education, which contains everything you need to get started teaching STEM, robotics and computer science.

Buy LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3

2. Update the EV3 firmware

Make sure you have the latest firmware installed for your LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 brick through the EV3 device manager tool.

Update your EV3 brick’s firmware

3. Use MakeCode online

Coding with MakeCode for MINDSTORMS Education EV3 is done entirely in a web browser, so students and teachers can create programs for their creations on any device or platform that has a USB port and an internet connection. No software to download or install!

Learn more with MakeCode

4. Explore tutorials and projects

Check out tutorials, projects and code samples to get started using MakeCode for LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3. The tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to use each sensor or motor for the EV3, while the projects contain instructions on coding and building an end-to-end robotics solution.

Browse tutorials and projects

A smartphone with the MakeCode program displayed is held in front of a Cue robot.
Wonder Workshop logo

Cue

Cue is a clever robot with a witty attitude that's full of interactive surprises. It also has emotive AI systems, IR sensors, microphone and speaker, and programmable LED lights and buttons. Students can code Cue's creative interactions using MakeCode's Block or JavaScript programming editors.

1. Purchase Cue

Purchase Cue direct from Wonder Workshop.

Get the Cue robot

2. Use the MakeCode for Cue app

Download the MakeCode for Cue app—for Windows 10, iOS, or Android.

Download the Cue app

3. Code with challenges and examples

Start coding your Cue robot using the guided challenges or build off the sample demo programs available in the app to start creating fun, interactive experiences with Cue!

Explore the Cue app

The Chibi Chip hardware.
Chibi tronics logo

Chibi Chip

Learn technology through arts and crafts with Chibitronics paper circuits products—which include innovative LED light stickers and The Love to Code Creative Coding Kit. Students learn electronic circuitry and computer science, while creating interactive art pieces like storybooks and greeting cards.

1. Purchase Chibi Chip

Buy any of the Love to Code Kits or accessories directly from Chibitronics, or one of their authorized resellers.

Explore Chibitronics products

2. Use MakeCode online

Use MakeCode to create fun animations and light effects for your Chibi Chip. Plug it in via the audio jack and "play" your program to copy it to the Chibi Chip. This means you can code and download from your phone!

Learn more with MakeCode

3. Download the Love to Code book

Download the free Love to Code e-book to print out activities and lessons for your students. This interactive storybook contains fun characters like Fern the Frog and D. Bug, and their friends who help guide students through understanding the basics of electronics and programming.

Download the Love to Code book

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Explore MakeCode

Explore the pages below to learn more about Microsoft MakeCode and how to get started with an inclusive approach to computing education.

Start coding!

Pick from one of the MakeCode online editors and see how easy it is to get started building your own programs in Blocks or JavaScript.
A student works on a MakeCode project on a laptop.
Students in a classroom work together to create a MakeCode project.

About MakeCode

Learn more about the features of the Microsoft MakeCode product, and better understand how it can be used to teach every student computer science in a fun, engaging way.
Students work on a MakeCode project while their teacher watches.

Resources

For teachers, find free curriculum and projects to help bring MakeCode into the classroom. For developers or translators, find out how to participate in the MakeCode open source community.

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