# Building CircuitPython

## Introduction

Adafruit [CircuitPython](../../../../welcome-to-circuitpython/) is an open-source implementation of Python for microcontrollers. It's derived from [MicroPython](https://micropython.org/), a ground-breaking implementation of Python for microcontrollers and constrained environments.

CircuitPython ships on many Adafruit products. We regularly create new releases and make it easy to update your installation with new builds.

However, you might want to build your own version of CircuitPython. You might want to keep up with development versions between releases, adapt it to your own hardware, add or subtract features, or add "frozen" modules to save RAM space. This guide explains how to build CircuitPython yourself.  
  
CircuitPython is meant to be built in a POSIX-style build environment. This guide outlines building on Linux-style systems or on macOS. Building on CygWin or MinGW is problematic and fragile: it's not worth the effort and won't be covered in this guide.

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/building-circuitpython/linux.md)

## Related Guides

- [Sewable NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels.md)
- [Adafruit Feather HUZZAH ESP8266](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-huzzah-esp8266.md)
- [Adafruit Feather M0 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-express-designed-for-circuit-python-circuitpython.md)
- [Adafruit Metro M0 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-metro-m0-express.md)
- [Adafruit Trinket M0](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-trinket-m0-circuitpython-arduino.md)
- [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md)
- [Adafruit Metro M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-metro-m4-express-featuring-atsamd51.md)
- [Introducing ItsyBitsy M0 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-itsy-bitsy-m0.md)
- [Magical Cardboard Craft Obsidian Sword](https://learn.adafruit.com/cardboard-obsidian-sword.md)
- [Crickit Powered Holiday Diorama](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-powered-holiday-diorama.md)
- [I Vote(d) Pin](https://learn.adafruit.com/i-vote-d-pin.md)
- [Scratch 3 Walkthrough and Demo](https://learn.adafruit.com/guide-to-scratch-3.md)
- [Native MP3 decoding on Arduino](https://learn.adafruit.com/native-mp3-decoding-on-arduino.md)
- [Make It Glow With Crickit](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-with-crickit.md)
- [Make It a Keyboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-a-keyboard.md)
- [Your First Power Switch Relay Project - Circuit Playground Smart Plug](https://learn.adafruit.com/beginner-first-project-power-switch-relay-circuit-playground-smart-plug.md)
- [Android GBoard Morse Code Control with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/android-gboard-morse-code-at-with-circuitplayground-express.md)
- [Adafruit 2.8" TFT Touch Shield v2 - Capacitive or Resistive](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-2-8-tft-touch-shield-v2.md)
- [Pushrod Garage](https://learn.adafruit.com/pushrod-garage.md)
- [Sensors in MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/sensors-in-makecode.md)
- [Chilled Drinkibot](https://learn.adafruit.com/chilled-drinkibot.md)
- [LEGO Compatible Crickit Rover](https://learn.adafruit.com/lego-compatible-crickit-rover.md)
- [Capacitive Touch Unicorn Horn](https://learn.adafruit.com/capacitive-touch-unicorn-horn.md)