Other JS libraries and platforms

Johnny-Five is definitely an amazing library and one of the cornerstones of NodeBots. However, one of the great things about open source hardware and software is that there is a litany of choices for you to explore in the world of NodeBots. I'll go into just a few of the many available, as new choices and projects are popping up every day!

Espruino

Espruino is an open source effort by Gordon Williams to create a microcontroller that runs JavaScript right on the board. There are currently two models available: the Espruino, which is the size of a credit card, and the Pico, which is nearly stamp-sized. Both interact via a USB connection.

Note that the Espruino doesn't use Node; it uses its own version of JavaScript that is in some places heavily modified. However, to most JavaScript developers, it will feel remarkably familiar.

The Espruino uses a Chrome app to code and flash the board, and has a good amount of documentation. As the entire effort is open-source...