MicroHydra launcher and runtime

What you’re building

MicroHydra is a MicroPython application launcher and lightweight runtime for M5Stack Cardputer and other explicitly supported devices. It scans an /apps directory in internal flash and on microSD, then launches Python or compiled .mpy applications through a small loader; separate apps are isolated by resetting the device between launches. Cardputer users can install it over a normal MicroPython build or flash a release firmware with MicroHydra frozen in, producing a fast launcher that can discover single-file apps or package-style folders containing __init__.py. The compiled release is preferred for files not being actively edited because raw .py builds are more prone to memory problems. Device-specific release files matter: select the Cardputer artifact, erase flash before the complete-firmware route, and enter download mode by holding G0 while connecting USB.

Key steps

1. Download the Cardputer-specific compiled ZIP or complete .bin from the MicroHydra releases page.
2. For the complete-firmware route, erase flash and hold G0 while plugging in the Cardputer to enter download mode.
3. Use Thonny to flash the Cardputer-targeted MicroHydra firmware, or first flash MicroPython for the overlay route.
4. If using the overlay route, copy the compiled release contents to the device’s internal flash.
5. Place compatible .py or .mpy apps in /apps on flash or microSD and restart the launcher.
6. Select an app in MicroHydra and confirm it starts after the loader resets the device.