If you’re a fan of open-source technology, Gustavo Salvador Reynaga Aguilar is a name to know. An experienced educator with a passion for technology, Gustavo has spent nearly three decades teaching and inspiring students at CECATI 132 in Mexico. He’s worked with platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone, and is renowned for projects such as the OSHWi Octopus Badge, a creative electronic badge shared openly on GitHub.
At the core of his work is a commitment to making technology accessible and empowering others to innovate – a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Arduino’s mission!
Making connections at Pycon Latam
At Pycon Latam 2024, held in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Gustavo led the workshop “Primer Contacto con MicroPython” (which can be loosely translated as “MicroPython: First Contact”), introducing attendees to the power of MicroPython for programming microcontrollers. The session demonstrated how hardware and software can come together seamlessly with tools like the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect (on sale for our Saint Valentine’s special until February 19th, 2025!) and Arduino Lab for MicroPython.
The workshop was a hit among software developers, many of whom were impressed by the ease of implementing IoT and embedded solutions using Arduino and MicroPython. Gustavo’s approachable style and passion for teaching left a lasting impression, making the complex world of microcontrollers accessible to all.
For those who missed his workshop, Gustavo is sharing the MicroPython manual he distributed at Pycon Latam on his GitHub account! This free resource is perfect for anyone looking to dive into MicroPython and start building their own projects. You can find it here.
Why MicroPython matters
MicroPython, a lightweight version of Python 3, has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for IoT applications. Its simplicity and efficiency make it an ideal choice for embedded systems, which combine hardware and software to perform specific tasks.
For makers and developers, MicroPython offers:
- Ease of use: A simple syntax that’s perfect for anyone – beginners or not!
- Versatility: Compatibility with various microcontrollers and IoT platforms.
- Community-driven innovation: As an open-source language, it benefits from continuous development and shared resources.
Gustavo’s workshop underscored these advantages, showing attendees how to program microcontrollers, manage GPIO pins, and connect to IoT platforms – all while using accessible, open-source tools.
And to make your life even easier, we’ve recently streamlined the entire process of installing libraries and managing MicroPython code on your Arduino boards by releasing the MicroPython Package Installer!
Stay inspired by Gustavo’s open-source expertise
Gustavo is not only a talented educator but also a powerful advocate for the open-source community. With more workshops planned for 2025 and beyond, his work continues to inspire makers and developers around the world.
Follow him on X, GitHub, LinkedIn, and YouTube, or explore his projects on gustavoreynaga.com. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, Gustavo is a fantastic resource and an inspiring example of how open-source technology can transform education and innovation.
The post Gustavo Reynaga: Inspiring the next generation of makers with MicroPython appeared first on Arduino Blog.
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