EdPy
EdPy is a free, browser-based programming environment for Edison robots.
What EdPy is
EdPy is a free, browser-based programming environment for Edison robots. It uses a Python-like text language and runs online without additional software. The language depends on the robot generation: Edison V3 uses EdPy built on MicroPython, while V1 and V2 use a Python-like compiled language. Students can use line help, autocomplete, popup help, help text, example programs, and a searchable function menu with documentation and sample code. Saved programs can be shared through links for review. EdPy includes classroom tools, a curriculum library, lesson plans, worksheets, teacher guides, tutorials, and downloadable documentation. Edison V3 connects through USB in supported browsers; V1 and V2 use an EdComm cable and audio output. Supported browsers vary by generation. Tablet-browser access is possible, but a computer is recommended. There are no dedicated iOS or Android apps, and standard Python libraries cannot be imported.
Good
- Free to use with an Edison robot
- Runs online in a web browser
- Includes autocomplete and searchable documentation
- Programs can be shared by link
- Provides classroom and curriculum resources
Watch out
- No dedicated iOS or Android apps
- Computer use is recommended over tablets
- Cannot import standard Python libraries
- Robot connection differs by generation
Who it suits
EdPy suits intermediate learners, especially students in school years 7–10 with some programming experience, teachers, and classrooms using Edison V1, V2, or V3 robots.
Verdict
EdPy provides a focused text-coding environment for Edison robots, with learning aids and teaching materials built in. Its browser access and free plan suit classrooms, while generation-specific connections and library limits should be considered.
Plans and prices
From EdPy's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| EdPy | Free | Free to use with an Edison robot |
The facts
Each one read from EdPy's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Browser compatibility
- The maker lists Chrome, Edge, and Opera for Edison V3, and Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera for Edison V1/V2.checked 9 Oct 2001
What it does
- Code sharing
- Saved EdPy programs can be shared through links for review.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Intended users
- The maker recommends EdPy for students in school years 7–10 who have some prior programming exposure.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Language versions
- EdPy for Edison V3 is built on MicroPython, while EdPy for Edison V1/V2 is a Python-like compiled language.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Learning aids
- The environment includes line help, autocomplete, popup help, help text, and example programs.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Library limitation
- EdPy cannot import other Python libraries because its compile step makes it incompatible with standard Python libraries.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Mobile support
- There are no dedicated iOS or Android apps; EdPy can be accessed in a tablet browser, though the maker recommends using a computer.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Online access
- EdPy is available online through a browser, with no additional software needed.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- The app says Google Analytics cookies collect aggregated, anonymous usage information to improve the web app and that Google is not allowed to use or share that data.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Programming support
- EdPy provides an inbuilt searchable function menu with documentation and example code.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- EdPy is a Python-like text-based programming language for programming Edison robots.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Robot connection
- Edison V3 programming uses USB through supported browsers, while Edison V1/V2 use an EdComm cable and audio output.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Teaching resources
- The maker offers EdPy lesson plans, student worksheets, teacher guides, tutorials, and downloadable documentation.checked 9 Oct 2001
The company
- Headquarters
- Adelaide, South Australia, Australiachecked 28 Sep 2001
- Maker and contributors
- The EdPy app was developed by Microbric; the app interface is credited to Sean Killian, and the language to Brian Danilko and Ben Hayton.checked 9 Oct 2001
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