TinyGo

Learn the TinyGo alternative compiler.

TinyGo

TinyGo is an alternative LLVM-based Go compiler. It is designed for microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico) and small WASM modules; it produces KB-sized output instead of standard Go's MB-sized binaries.

tinygo flash -target=pico ./blink
tinygo build -o app.wasm -target=wasm ./web

The cost: parts of the standard library and reflect support are limited; the GC is simpler.

The machine package

TinyGo's machine package accesses pins directly. The classic "blink an LED" example:

led := machine.LED
led.Configure(machine.PinConfig{Mode: machine.PinOutput})
for {
    led.High()
    time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond)
    led.Low()
    time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond)
}

With little RAM (e.g. 264 KB), minimizing heap allocation and using fixed-size arrays matter.

Exercise Blink pattern

Write the blink logic without hardware: type Pin struct{ acik bool } and func (p *Pin) Toggle() inverts the state. Toggle a pin 3 times and print the state at each step.

Show example solution

package main

import "fmt"

type Pin struct{ acik bool }

func (p *Pin) Toggle() { p.acik = !p.acik }

func main() {
    led := &Pin{}
    for i := 0; i < 3; i++ {
        led.Toggle()
        fmt.Println(led.acik)
    }
}

Test yourself

Which fits a microcontroller with no operating system?
- GOOS=linux go build
- GOOS=js go build
- cgo
- TinyGo
Show answer

TinyGo — Standard Go expects an operating system; TinyGo supports bare-metal hardware targets directly.

Flash the board

tinygo ____ -target=pico ./blink

Show answer

tinygo flash -target=pico ./blink

Compiler and target

go build

Server, desktop
tinygo flash

Microcontroller
tinygo -target=wasm

Small WASM
machine.LED

On-board LED

Next lesson: Summary - WASM and embedded

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