Work in progress. This page is being prepared to replace the six platform-specific pages currently under this heading.

mBlock is the software used to write and run programs for the mBot. It is a block-based (Scratch-like) environment, so programs are built by dragging blocks rather than typing code.

There are two ways to use it, and either works for all our lesson plans:

• Install it on the computer. Available for Windows and Mac only.
• Run it in a browser. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebooks, but needs a small helper program called mLink so the browser can talk to the robot.

All downloads come from the same place: mblock.cc/pages/downloads

Which should I use?

If you are running a class on mixed hardware, the browser route keeps everyone on the same screens.

Some school computers are locked down and will not allow either the mBlock installer or mLink to be installed. If that happens, you will need your school's IT staff to install it for you. It is worth checking this well before the first lesson.

Option A: Install mBlock on the computer

Windows

1. Go to mblock.cc/pages/downloads.
2. Find the mBlock PC version section and download the Windows version. An .exe installer and an .msi package are both offered; the .exe is the normal choice, and the .msi is there for IT departments that deploy software centrally.
3. Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts.
4. Near the end, the installer offers to install a device driver. This is what lets the computer talk to the robot, so click Install. If you see Driver Install Failure, the driver is most likely already present from an earlier installation — click Uninstall, then Install again.
5. Click Finish.

Windows requirement: mBlock needs 64-bit Windows 7 or Windows 10. It will not install on a 32-bit machine. Older school laptops are worth checking before the lesson.

Mac

1. Go to mblock.cc/pages/downloads.