Cardputer Buddy
OfficialFreeStreamline your MicroPython app development for Cardputer.
Free · Opens the source repo
What Cardputer Buddy does
Cardputer Buddy is a specialized tool designed for developers working with the Cardputer-Adv MicroPython app bundle. It facilitates the process of adding new applications, pushing updates, and monitoring device logs without the need for a complete re-flash of the device. This is particularly useful for developers who want to iterate quickly on their applications, allowing them to test changes in real-time and streamline their workflow.
The skill operates within the buddy/ directory of the build-with-claude clone, where it manages the MicroPython payload installed on the device. The primary entry point is main.py, which serves as a launcher menu that scans the /flash/apps/ directory and lists available applications. Developers can easily add new apps by placing their Python files in the designated directory and pushing them to the device using simple command-line scripts.
Key functionalities include the ability to push specific files over USB-serial, watch device logs in real-time, and execute one-off commands through a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop). This allows for a more interactive development experience, enabling quick testing and debugging without the overhead of re-flashing the entire application bundle. The skill is particularly beneficial for those who are already familiar with MicroPython and want to enhance their development efficiency.
Overall, Cardputer Buddy is an essential tool for developers looking to optimize their workflow with the Cardputer-Adv platform, providing a set of utilities that simplify the process of app development and testing.
When to use it
Use Cardputer Buddy when you need to quickly iterate on MicroPython applications for the Cardputer-Adv device, especially after initial provisioning.
When not to use it
This skill may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with MicroPython or those looking for a graphical interface for app management.
What you can build with it
Quick App Iteration
Developers can rapidly test new features by adding and pushing apps without the need for re-flashing.
Real-Time Log Monitoring
Use the log tailing feature to monitor device output and debug issues as they arise.
One-Off Command Execution
Run quick commands on the device using the REPL functionality to check the filesystem or perform other tasks.
How to install Cardputer Buddy
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add anthropics/claude-plugins-official/cardputer-buddy --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by anthropicsCardputer Buddy app bundle
The buddy/ directory in the local build-with-claude clone is the MicroPython payload that m5-onboard installs onto /flash/. Work inside that clone.
Device layout
/flash/
├── main.py launcher menu (replaces UIFlow's boot flow)
├── buddy_*.py shared libs (BLE, UI, state, protocol, chars)
├── burst_frames.py sprite frames
└── apps/
├── claude_buddy.py BLE client → Claude Desktop's Hardware Buddy
├── hello_cardputer.py
└── snake.py
main.py scans /flash/apps/ at boot and lists every .py as a menu entry. Drop a file into buddy/device/apps/, push it, and it appears on next boot.
Adding an app
Crib from buddy/device/apps/hello_cardputer.py — smallest example of keyboard polling, font, and exit conventions. Then push without re-flashing:
python3 onboard/scripts/install_apps.py --port <PORT> --src buddy
<PORT> is whatever detect.py reported last run (e.g. /dev/cu.usbmodem1101, /dev/ttyACM0, COM3).
Dev loop tooling (buddy/scripts/)
# Push a subset of files over USB-serial
python3 buddy/scripts/push.py --port <PORT> --files apps/snake.py
# Watch device logs
python3 buddy/scripts/tail_serial.py --port <PORT>
# One-shot REPL exec
python3 buddy/scripts/repl_run.py --port <PORT> --script "import os; print(os.listdir('/flash'))"
Frequently asked questions about Cardputer Buddy
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