The Tulip Creative Computer Is a Python Developer's Dream

"Distraction-free" tools are growing in popularity every day, as we all attempt to increase our productivity in this rat race. Most of these tools give you only what you need, while blocking access to anything that might divert your attention away from the task at hand. But when a distraction-free tool is just a piece of software running on a computer, the user always has the option to switch windows and hop over to their diversion of choice. The solution is dedicated distraction-free hardware, such as the Tulip Creative Computer intended for Python developers.

Python is arguably the most approachable programming language available today. It is easy to learn, but quite powerful. You can even use special versions of Python, like CircuitPython and MicroPython, for embedded programming. Most microcontrollers on the market right now have the ability to run one of those versions of Python, and they make the Tulip Creative Computer possible. Specifically, Tulip runs MicroPython. As with desktop versions of Python, users can work directly with the interpreter (as opposed to compiling and deploying code every time). The Tulip Creative Computer boots directly into the interpreter, so programmers can jump right into coding.

While there is a version of Tulip that runs on regular PCs in a simulated environment, the Tulip Creative Computer is all hardware. It doesn't run on top of an operating system, but boots into the MicroPython interpreter running on the microcontroller. That is an Espressif ESP32-S3 dual-core microcontroller, which is powerful, affordable, and easy to find in stock from a variety of online retailers.

There are a few different versions of the Tulip Creative Computer hardware, but the ultimate implementation is akin to a single-board computer built on a custom PCB. That contains the ESP32, a display connector, a power/programming USB port, a USB port for a keyboard, three 3.5mm audio output jacks, MIDI in/out ports, a power switch, and header pins for power and I2C access. This single-board option is ideal, because it lets you easily connect an LCD screen and keyboard. The available ports give you a starting point for embedded development. If you want to keep your Tulip Creative Computer self-contained, you can connect a battery pack.

If you want to try Tulip before diving in with the full single-board setup, you can wire the hardware up on a breadboard or run the simulated Tulip Desktop. If you do want to go all-in but aren't good at SMD (surface-mount device) soldering, then there is a through-hole version available.