# 3. Online Programming
## 3.1 Introduction to IDE
Micro:bit is a product that does require installing an IDE. Users can start programming directly through the website:
## 3.2 Driver Installation
:::{Note}
Please ensure the CH341 serial driver is installed on your computer as it may effect the connection and usage of the Microbit controller in the following steps.
:::
**If it is already installed, you can skip this section.**
(1) Locate the **ch341ser.exe** serial port driver installer from the [Appendix->Serial Driver Software](resources_download.md) , and open it.
(2) Click the "**Install**" button. Wait a moment for the installation success message to appear.
## 3.3 IDE Setup and Toolbar Layout
Open a browser tab and access the programming website by entering:
To write your own code, click "**New Project**" to enter the project name.
After navigating to the main interface, we can divide the screen into the following two sections as outlined below:
| **Area** | **Function** |
|:--:|:--:|
| Simulation Area | Used for simulating programming instruction blocks |
| Tag Selection Area | You can use the built-in or add blocks from the extension packages for programming |
| Program Editing Area | You can insert, copy, paste, delete, modify in block editing area. |
## 3.4 Download Program
Let's start by creating a simple program. click on the **"Basic"** tab, then drag the corresponding instruction block to add it in the code editing area, as shown in the figure below:
(1) For initial device connection, it is necessary to pair the device first. Upon connection, the browser will remember the connected device. Click "**...**" next to "**Download**" button to select "**Connect Device**" from the options.
(2) In the pop-up window, click "**Next**" to continue.
(3) Click "**Pair**" and select the device for connection in the pop-up window.
(4) Once the device is successfully connected, click "**Download**" to download the program. During the download process, the yellow LED near the USB port of micro:bit will blink rapidly and continuously. At this point, please do not disconnect or move the cable to avoid download failure.
(5) When the download is complete, the indicator will stop flashing and remain steadily lit. Meanwhile, a download completion message will appear on the programming interface
(6) Micro:bit will automatically run the program once it's powered on.
## 3.5 Import Program
(1) Connect the micro:bit to your computer using a USB cable. Then open the online MakeCode programming page, click **"Import"** and select **"Import file."**
(2) Then click "**Choose File**," select the code file to be added, and click **"Continue"** to import the code into the online compiler.
## 3.6 Add Extension Package
(1) On the main interface, click on **"Extension"** in the left section.
(2) In the pop-up window, enter the extension package address:
For micro:bit V1.5 version, please add: ;
For micro:bit V2.0 version, please add: ;
Then click on the search icon or press **"Enter"**. You can search for the package. Finally, click on **"Startbit/StartbitV2"** to successfully add it.
:::{Note}
Users need to choose the extension package based on the actual version of the micro:bit board they have purchased (the version can be found on the back right corner of the board)
:::