009 - ESP32 MicroPython: Non-blocking Delays and Multi--threading

In this video, we will learn to create a non-blocking delays in MicroPython which is very similar to millis funtion of Arduino. We will also expand the example creating a multi-threaded task demonstrating a multitasking routine.

For more details, visit my blog post at:

If you have any question regarding this tutorial, please write your concern in the comment box provided. Suggestions is also highly appreciated.

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Thank you,
George Bantique,
#TechToTinker
#MicroPython
#ESP32
#ESP32MicroPython

[the_truth_seeker]

I was searching for this same solution. But I didn't know what to search for. Thanks for this great info.

I believe this method applies to Pi Pico too.

[mytechnotalent]

These are honestly the best MicroPython tutorials on the internet thus far. These are comprehensive and really help me as I also teach MP. You really take the time to break down a subject and help me with ways to approach new students with your explanations.

[derekanderson]

This is clearly not multi-threading, per other comments. But worse, it's a busy-wait loop, meaning it'll consume far more power (as the CPU is running at 100% all the time). If you put a sleep(200ms) (your lowest interval) at the end if the loop you can get almost identical behavior w/ maybe 1/100th the power usage.

[sameerk]

Hello from India .... Thank you very much for this easy to understand and very helpful tutorials about MicroPython... Best tutorials ever... Requesting you to make more MicroPython tutorials... Its very interesting language in the world of MicroControllers.... Subscribed to your channel.. Looking forward for more.

[abhishekkharge]

Thank you so much brother its too much help me

[HektorDerHund]

I realy enjoy your tutorial, it is the best which i found until now. :-D

[samirdjelal]

This concept is really great for single-core MCU to act like multi-threading, thanks

[bickyou]

It's just so GOOD! Very patient teaching!

[hermanish]

I totally agree with others, wonderfully explained. Could I make a suggestion. Why not use the enormously underutilized logical operator 'not'. You would replace 4 lines of code with just Simply replace your While block with below.
while True:
if time.ticks_ms() - start_time >= interval:
start_time = time.ticks_ms()
led_state = not led_state # not operator acts as a toggle on your variable
led.value(led_state)

much appreciated, Peter.

[SpeccyMan]

The LED state IF construct can be entirely replaced with the more elegant "led_state = 1 - led_state" to toggle its value.

[neilcampbell]

It looks like buttons do not ground the pin when pressed. They are pulled high, but pressing button does not ground pin or I can't see the wire in diagrams. I went ahead and put the ground wires to the buttons and it works but I have switch bounce. Otherwise I understand your steps, enjoyed and learned. Thanks

[dummypg]

Nice tutorial, pero this is not a real "Non blocking" nor "Multi-threading", pseudo lang yung nangyayari. The concept is just looping all throughout the code block but by storing the state of each led's time delay to blink and calculating the current timing, this will perform the specified code block if it matches the timing condition.
I doubt if this can be applied to a socket which constantly listens to a request. I'm still researching on that tho...

[HektorDerHund]

Could you show how to use the multitherding?

[jvdheyde]

This has notting to do with multi threathing.

[ImnotChuck.]

I am enjoying your videos about programming the ESP32 in MicroPython. I study your code in order to understand what it does, and I build some of the circuits to watch the code in action. I built the circuit in this lesson, and it works just as you designed. My question is regarding k_start and k_interval; what is their purpose? Thank you.

[jvdheyde]

You don’t know the concept of a “non blocking” delay. This example is a busy waiting example. NOT GOOD.

[gordonfrank]

You complete lost me in the last video #008. I followed #1-7. Here in #9 I'm doing better than #8. PLEASE remember you're dealing with beginners and explain each line of the code....even the obvious. Overall, you're doing a great job. Thank you for the videos.

[mytechnotalent]

Just sent you an email with a quick question...

[jvdheyde]

The use of global variables is a very bad programming practice NOT GOOD.