Thonny

Jun 2026

Introduction

Thonny, an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application that provides a central interface for programmers to write, test, and debug code. It combines essential tools—such as a code editor, compiler, and debugger—into a single program to make software development much more efficient.

What Thonny actually is

Thonny is a Python development environment that includes:

A built‑in Python interpreter

A simple code editor

A debugger

Tools for uploading code to microcontrollers (like the Pico)

It’s designed so you can focus on learning or experimenting without being overwhelmed by complex menus or settings.

Why people use Thonny for Raspberry Pi Pico

This is where Thonny really shines.

It can detect a Pico automatically

It lets you install MicroPython firmware onto the Pico

You can run code directly on the board

You can save files to the Pico’s flash storage

It shows the Pico’s serial output in real time

It’s basically the easiest way to get started with MicroPython on a Pico.

What you can do with Thonny

Write Python scripts

Upload code to a Pico or Pico W

Debug your code step‑by‑step

Inspect variables

Use the REPL (interactive Python prompt)

Manage files on the Pico

It’s intentionally simple, but powerful enough for real projects.

Installing Thonny

Running Thonny and Initial Setup

Install Pico Zero Library