Introducing Flasher.js

The Internet of Things has the opportunity to tap into the talent of millions of web developers, today. It fails to do so because of friction.

If the tools don’t improve it will never happen. I hate seeing wasted potential. I want to see what people can create given familiar tools - JavaScript, in a modern workflow.

Flasher.js Logo - Credit: Mat Helme

Today marks our first step toward breaking down those barriers into IoT development with the release of Flasher.js. Flasher.js is the first development tool by thingsSDK.

thingsSDK‘s mission is to create a set of common APIs for Internet of Things devices in JavaScript. Ideally, the APIs could be reimplemented on any embedded JavaScript runtime or even in Node.js. The first step is making it easy getting JavaScript on to cheap, affordable microcontrollers. Then, provide the APIs and a modern workflow.

Flasher.js is a simple cross-platform app that allows you to install JavaScript runtimes (and others) to ESP8266 WiFi enabled microcontrollers.

Flasher.js in action (2x speed)

Downloads

Download it now!

Compatibility

This should work on all ESP8266 (ESP-12) development boards. A list of tested boards are below:

Many thanks to Craig Dennis who did the heavy lifting writing the internal module that flashes the device and Mat Helme for the logo and UI designs.

Helping Out

Flasher.js is open source if you’d like to help write documentation, test devices, write tests and add improvements come join us on GitHub. Also, consider joining us on the JavaScript and the Internet of Things Slack.