MakeCode Maker, https://maker.makecode.com, is a web-based code editor for physical computing. It provides a block editor, similar to Scratch or Code.org, and also a JavaScript editor for more advanced users. Microsoft MakeCode has been augmented to support more than the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, like the GEMMA M0. See the Adafruit GEMMA M0 guide for more information.

Visit https://maker.makecode.com and create a New Project

Visit https://maker.makecode.com and create a New Project.

Select Adafruit GEMMA M0 from the list of boards.

Select LIGHT from the list in the middle of the screen.

Drag a set strip to block so it's under on start.

Select the block and update the dropdowns. We're using D1 and we have 3 pixels.

Select strip set brightness under LIGHT and move this block under on start.

Set the brightness at 20. You may want to set it lower if the light is too bright. Lower values also make the battery last longer.

Select strip show frame of ( ) animation under LIGHT and move this under forever.

Choose an animation from the drop down. I selected the comet.

Preview the test animation on the left. Give your sketch a name and then download it to your desktop.

adafruit_gemma_Screen_Shot_2018-12-31_at_4.02.23_PM.png

You can also get the code here:

Open this project in MakeCode Maker

Plug your Gemma M0 into your computer and ensure that the onboard switch it turned ON.

You should see it appear on your desktop as GEMMABOOT. If you have previously installed Arduino or CircuitPython, you may need to double press the reset button to get your board into bootloader mode.

Find the .uf2 file you just downloaded and move it to GEMMABOOT.

The status LED on the board will blink while the file is transferring. Once it's done transferring your file, the board will automatically reset and start running your code (just like in the simulator!)