Editing your program in MakeCode

MicroChat shows your program as blocks, but sometimes you want to drag the blocks around yourself. The MakeCode button opens your program in the real MakeCode editor — the same one used at makecode.microbit.org.

Opening the editor

1. In Code or Arcade, make or open a program.
2. Click MakeCode (the button with the little "open" arrow). It's available as soon as there's a program to edit.
3. The MakeCode editor loads inside MicroChat with your program already in it.

For micro:bit programs you get the micro:bit editor; for Arcade games you get the Arcade editor with a game console you can play on.

Editing

Use MakeCode however you like: drag blocks, change numbers, switch to JavaScript, use the simulator. Your work is saved as you go.

Coming back

Click Go back to MicroChat at the top. Two things happen:

1. Your edited program replaces the one in MicroChat, and the blocks update.
2. MicroChat notices what you changed and comments on it — a bit like a coding buddy looking over your shoulder. It also rebuilds the program so Download has the latest version.

Good to know

• The Download button inside the MakeCode editor is turned off. Come back to MicroChat and use its Download button instead.
• If you'd rather not keep your edits, just don't go back — close the tab or navigate elsewhere in MicroChat.
• MakeCode is a Microsoft website and needs an internet connection.