Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
The integration of Python into the Internet of Things (IoT) signifies a transformation in how we develop, implement, and scale IoT applications. Python's simplicity, versatility, and robust library ecosystem make it an excellent choice for IoT development, enabling everything from simple home automation systems to complex industrial IoT solutions.
In the following article, we will understand the use of Python in programming Internet of Things (IoT) devices and create a backend for them to work.
Importance of the Internet of ThingsThe Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming how we interact with technology, integrating it into every facet of our lives. Here are some key reasons why IoT is so important:
The Internet of Things refers to a vast network of connected physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies. These objects collect and exchange data with the internet, integrating the physical and digital worlds. This convergence enhances automation, efficiency, and decision-making across various sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Why Python for IoT?Python is favored for IoT due to its simplicity, readability, and a rich ecosystem of libraries. Python is a popular choice for developing Internet of Things (IoT) applications due to several compelling advantages:
The Raspberry Pi is a low-cost, credit-card-sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV and uses a standard keyboard and mouse.
Why It's Great for IoT:
Here is an project example of how to use the GPIO Zero library in Python to control the input and output ports on a Raspberry Pi. This code snippet demonstrates how to set up a button and an LED, and make the LED light up whenever the button is pressed:
Control Arduino with Python and pyFirmata Installing PyFirmata ModuleYou should have Python and pip Installed in your system. Then you can run the following command to install the PyFirmata module in your system.
pip install pyFirmataUpload “StandardFirmata” to Arduino
StandardFirmata is a code that helps Python get access to the Arduino board.
First, connect your Arduino to the computer/raspberry pi/laptop using the USB cable.
Know the port name the Arduino is connected to. In windows, the port name will be something like “COMx” (where x is an integer), while in Linux it will be a string starting with “/dev/tty”. You might find this information by opening Device Manager in Windows.
Next, you can open the Arduino IDE and follow the steps to upload the StandardFirmata to the board.
Get StandardFirmata: File -> Examples -> Firmata -> Standard Firmata
Specify Correct Board and Port: Tools -> Board -> Select Arduino UNO (or your own board) -> Tools -> Port -> Select your Port
Upload the StandardFirmata: Click on the upload button to upload the code to Arduino.
Making the connectionsMake the connections like the image above. Here I have connected the 4 LEDs to the 13th, 12th, 11th, and 10th pins. There was no specific reason to connect them in that manner. You can use any other digital pin.
Write the Python program and Run it Python
from pyfirmata import Arduino
from time import sleep
# Connecting to the board
board = Arduino('COM8')
# initializing the LEDs
led1 = board.get_pin('d:13:o')
led2 = board.get_pin('d:12:o')
led3 = board.get_pin('d:11:o')
led4 = board.get_pin('d:10:o')
# wait for 1s at every count value
wait = 1
# initialise all to False (off)
val_1 = val_2 = val_3 = val_4 = False
# led4 is the least significant bit and led1 is the most significant bit
while True: # this is an infinite loop which won't end untill the terminal is killed
for ____ in range(2):
for ___ in range(2):
for __ in range(2):
for _ in range(2):
sleep(wait)
# Updating the values and printing them
led1.write(val_1)
led2.write(val_2)
led3.write(val_3)
led4.write(val_4)
print(int(val_1), int(val_2), int(val_3), int(val_4))
val_4 = not val_4
val_3 = not val_3
val_2 = not val_2
val_1 = not val_1
print("\n\n")
Output:
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0
0 0 1 1
0 1 0 0
0 1 0 1
0 1 1 0
0 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
1 0 1 0
1 0 1 1
1 1 0 0
1 1 0 1
1 1 1 0
1 1 1 1...
Here is the Simulation Output!
ESP8266 and ESP32 with MicroPythonOverview: ESP8266 and ESP32 are low-cost Wi-Fi microchips with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability. They are highly popular for IoT projects due to their wireless capabilities.
Why ESP8266 and ESP32 Great for IoT:
$ pip install esptool.
Project Example code
Here's a basic example demonstrating how to control an LED with an ESP8266 or ESP32 using MicroPython:
Python
from machine import Pin
import time
# Initialize a pin for the LED
ledPin = Pin(2, Pin.OUT)
# Toggle the LED on and off in a loop
while True:
ledPin.on() # Turn on the LED
time.sleep(1) # Wait for one second
ledPin.off() # Turn off the LED
time.sleep(1) # Wait for another second
Explanation:
Python is an excellent choice for developing the backend systems of IoT applications due to its versatility, ease of use, and robust ecosystem. Here’s why Python is well-suited for the backend side of IoT:
Python's role in the Internet of Things (IoT) is both pivotal and transformative. Its simplicity, coupled with powerful libraries and frameworks, makes it an ideal language for developing IoT applications that require robust data handling, secure and efficient communication, and the ability to scale. Python's integration with advanced machine learning libraries further enhances its capability to enable smart IoT solutions that can learn and adapt over time.
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