Prodatum 1.2.0

Mu is an intuitive and user-friendly code editor developed by Nicholas H.Tollervey, designed specifically to cater to the needs of beginner programmers and educators. Its primary focus is on providing a seamless and engaging coding experience for those who are new to the world of programming, particularly in the Python language.

One of Mu's standout features is its simplicity. The interface is clean and uncluttered, ensuring that users can focus on learning and writing code without being overwhelmed by complex menus or options. This minimalist design is intentional, aimed at reducing the cognitive load on beginners and allowing them to concentrate on the essentials of coding.

Mu supports several modes tailored to different educational contexts and projects. These include a beginner-friendly Python mode, a mode for working with the BBC micro:bit, and a Pygame Zero mode for creating simple games. Each mode comes with its own set of tools and features that are relevant to the specific use case, making it versatile for various learning scenarios.

A particularly noteworthy feature of Mu is its built-in feedback and debugging tools. The editor provides real-time error messages and suggestions, which are invaluable for beginners who are still learning the syntax and logic of programming. This immediate feedback loop helps users learn from their mistakes and improve their coding skills more efficiently.

Mu also integrates seamlessly with a variety of educational resources and platforms, making it an excellent choice for teachers and educators. Its compatibility with the BBC micro:bit, for example, allows educators to introduce physical computing concepts in a straightforward and engaging manner. The editor's support for Pygame Zero further enhances its appeal by enabling users to create interactive games, thus adding an element of fun to the learning process.

Another advantage of Mu is its cross-platform availability. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users can access the software regardless of their operating system. This flexibility is crucial in educational settings where different devices might be in use.

Mu's open-source nature is also a significant plus. Being open-source means that the software is free to use, modify, and distribute, which aligns well with educational values of accessibility and collaboration. The active community around Mu contributes to its ongoing development and improvement, ensuring that it remains a relevant and effective tool for learning programming.

In summary, Mu is a thoughtfully designed code editor that excels in making programming accessible and enjoyable for beginners. Its simplicity, educational focus, and supportive features make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to embark on their coding journey, whether in a classroom setting or through self-directed learning. By providing a supportive and engaging environment, Mu empowers new programmers to develop their skills and confidence in coding, laying a solid foundation for their future endeavors in the world of technology.

Release notes:

New Release
Thanks to @keith-packard for Snek mode. Snek is a Python inspired language for processors too small even to run MicroPython.
@tmontes contributed changes so Mu builds to Linux AppImages (an easy way to package application for Linux).
Minor fixes by @stratakis in the Russian translation.
@carlosperate fixed many minor glitches and gremlins.
@carlosperate was on fire ?? with fixes needed to ensure Mu continues to work with very old versions of OSX (as used in many educational institutions).
Again, thanks to @carlosperate, AppImage with Wayland no longer the setting of an environment variable to make it work properly.
The web mode includes simple and easy to use integration with beginner and education friendly web hosts, PythonAnywhere.
@agdales, @Jeffrey04, @johannaengland and @AnjaVerboven contributed new messages of the day as part of their onboarding at EuroPython.
@tonybaloney contributed several Windows based fixes and clean-ups.
@johannaengland and @prcutler were on fire tidying up and fixing docs at EuroPython.
A bug was fixed in the web mode relating to the resolution and/or recreation of the assets directory (in which images, css and templates were to be found).
Or friend at Adafruit, @tannewt made the necessary changes so Mu handles OSC commands gracefully (see the PR for more details).
New contributor, @zigit ensured "Unexpected Maker" based ESP boards are correctly detected.
Thanks to @Jayman2000, error messages are correctly capitalized (or not) to avoid potential confusion.
[ Prodatum full changelog ]