The simulator supports most of the sensors on CPX except **IR transmitter & Receiver**, **Sound Sensor (microphone)**, **Speaker (Play Tone)** and the **"tap" on Motion Sensor**.
- _**[Python VS Code extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python)**_: This will be installed automatically from the marketplace when you install Device Simulator Express.
- **Note:** On extension activation, you will be prompted with a popup message asking if you want the modules to be automatically installed for you. The following Python modules should be downloaded when you select "yes" on the prompt message. **If modules are not installed correctly, please use the "pip install" commands listed below.**
2. Name and save your file somewhere, and we’re good to go! (3)
3. Start with some examples: you can find examples files and tutorials inside the comments, as well as in the notification pop up when you run the `"Device Simulator Express: New File"` Command.
<imgalt='How to find example code screenshot'src=https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/vscode-python-devicesimulator/dev/assets/readmeFiles/findExamples.jpg>
<imgalt='How to run the simulator animation'src='https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-python-devicesimulator/blob/dev/assets/readmeFiles/run.gif?raw=true'>
**_Note:_** Make sure you name your file `main.py` or `code.py`: the device automatically runs the first file that is likely named. This is the convention for CircuitPython ([source](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/creating-and-editing-code#naming-your-program-file-7-32)).
Generating input for the sensors can be done by interacting directly with device on the webview
or by using the toolbar.
- **Switch, push buttons and capacitive touch:** click directly on the corresponding element on the device or use the keybindings.
- **Temperature sensor, Light sensor, acceleration:** click on the corresponding button in the toolbar and change the value using the slider or the input box attached to it.
- **Shake detection:** go to the motion sensor section in the toolbar and click on the shake button.
### 7. Debug your project on the simulator
1. Add breakpoints in your code
2. Press F5 to enter the debugging mode, and you can start debugging line by line!
Device Simulator Express provides several commands in the Command Palette (F1 or Ctrl + Shift + P/ Cmd + Shift + P for Mac OS) for working with \*.py files:
The software may collect information about you and your use of the software and send it to Microsoft. Microsoft may use this information to provide services and improve our products and services. You may turn off the telemetry as described in the repository. There are also some features in the software that may enable you and Microsoft to collect data from users of your applications. If you use these features, you must comply with applicable law, including providing appropriate notices to users of your applications together with a copy of Microsoft's privacy statement. Our privacy statement is located at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=824704. You can learn more about data collection and use in the help documentation and our privacy statement. Your use of the software operates as your consent to these practices.
### Disable Telemetry
The Microsoft Device Simulator Express Extension for Visual Studio Code collects usage
data and sends it to Microsoft to help improve our products and
services. Read our
[privacy statement](https://privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement) to
learn more. This extension respects the `telemetry.enableTelemetry`
- The first time you install the extension, you'll need to execute the `run` command at least once in order to access auto-completion.
- While running a code file, if you get an error saying it can't find the file, make sure you've clicked on a valid Python code file before running it.
- To open the output panel again after closing it go to VS Code menu: `View->Output`.
- If you try to deploy to the device while it's plugged in but you still get an error saying it cannot find the board, make sure your Circuit Playground Express is formatted correctly and that its name matches `CIRCUITPY`.
- If you can't get the Simulator communication working while debugging, try to open your `Settings` and check the port used under `"Device Simulator Express: Debugger Server Port"`. You can either change it (usually ports above 5000 should work) or try to free it, then start debugging again.
1. Make sure that when you type _python_ in a terminal, the command is recognized and you have the correct version. The easiest way to do it is to select the "Add to PATH" option directly when you install Python. Otherwise you can search how to insert it manually.
2. You can choose to see the prompt or not by changing the extension configurations.
3. To be able to run the file on your physical device, it should either be named code.py or main.py.
