Overview
The micro:bit Python Editor was designed and developed by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. We have endeavoured to make it as accessible as possible.
In late 2022, we conducted user testing on the micro:bit Python Editor including users with a range of assistive technology (including screen readers, eye control, and pointing devices).
The micro:bit Python Editor has been tested to ensure that it can be accessed with keyboard only, with a screen reader and other assistive technology, and has an adaptive layout that responds well to users zooming in. See below for a table of keyboard shortcuts available in the Python Editor.
If you need to zoom in to better see the Python Editor, you can zoom the webpage via your browser’s settings, or by using the shortcut [Ctrl and Shift and +]. The layout of the page will adapt accordingly. You can also change the font size in your browser settings, or via a browser plugin, but we recommend changing browser zoom for best compatibility.
Indentation
If you are copying and pasting code into the Python Editor, you need to be careful that the indentation style (number of spaces, or Tabs) matches existing code. Code provided by the editor’s built in examples and code snippets uses 4 spaces for indentation. We are aware that this may not be ideal for users with a braille output display, and are reviewing this internally. We would welcome feedback from any users.
Settings
The settings menu of the Python Editor offers the ability to change:
- the font size in the editor
- how the code structure is highlighted visually
- whether the parameter help (auto completion) is triggered automatically or via a shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+Space).
Screen reader access
The micro:bit Python Editor can be used with a screen reader. We usually use NVDA for testing, but other screen readers should work too.
Shortcuts
The Python Editor has various shortcuts to help quickly perform key actions. Someone using a screen reader may also benefit from navigating by landmarks or headings to jump quickly between different areas.
General shortcuts (for use anywhere in the Python Editor)
Shortcut description | Microsoft Windows | Mac, iOS, iPadOS |
|---|---|---|
Open search bar | Ctrl+Shift+F | Cmd+Shift+F |
Cut highlighted text | Ctrl+X | Cmd+X |
Paste copied text or code snippet | Ctrl+V (except in serial console, see below) | Cmd+V |
Note that cut, copy and paste commands can also be accessed by right clicking on your mouse or press and hold on a touch screen device.
Editor shortcuts
These shortcuts can be used within the editor area only:
Shortcut description | Microsoft Windows | Mac, iOS, iPadOS |
|---|---|---|
Move the cursor in the text | Arrow keys | Arrow keys |
Indent code | Tab | Tab |
Remove a level of indent | Shift+Tab | Shift+Tab |
Manually trigger autocomplete (if available at current cursor position) | Ctrl+Space | Cmd+Space |
Open parameter help (if available at current cursor position) | Ctrl+Shift+Space | Cmd+Shift+Space |
Show errors in a list that can be navigated with up/down arrows | Ctrl+Shift+M | Cmd+Shift+M |
Tab forwards out of the Editor | Esc then Tab | Esc then Tab |
Tab backwards out of the Editor | Esc then Shift+Tab | Esc then Shift+Tab |
Undo | Ctrl+Z | Cmd+Z |
Redo | Ctrl+Y | Cmd+Y |
Comment/uncomment out a line | Ctrl+/ | Cmd+/ |
Serial shortcuts
These shortcuts work in the serial console area only.
Shortcut description | Microsoft Windows | Mac, iOS, iPadOS |
|---|---|---|
Interrupt micro:bit program | Ctrl+C | Ctrl+C |
Restart micro:bit program | Ctrl+D | Ctrl+D |
Copy from serial console | Ctrl+Shift+C | Cmd+C |
Paste in serial console | Ctrl+Shift+V | Cmd+V |