How to use Micropython Classes in separate files - class

Question

Getting started with MicroPython and having problems with classes in separate files:
In main.py:
import clientBase
import time
if __name__ == "__main__":
time.sleep(15) # Delay to open Putty
print("Starting")
print("Going to class")
cb = clientBase.ClientBaseClass
cb.process()
In clientBase.py:
class ClientBaseClass:
def __init__(self):
print("init")
def process(self):
print("Process")
Compiles and copies to Pico without errors but does not run. Putty output: No idea how to run Putty (or other port monitor) without blocking port!
MPY: soft reboot
Traceback (most recent call last):
Thanks
Python Conslole:
"C:\Users\jluca\OneDrive\Apps\Analytical Engine\Python\Client\venv\Scripts\python.exe" "C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm Community Edition 2021.2.4\plugins\python-ce\helpers\pydev\pydevconsole.py" --mode=client --port=59708
import sys; print('Python %s on %s' % (sys.version, sys.platform))
sys.path.extend(['C:\Users\jluca\OneDrive\Apps\Analytical Engine\Python\Client', 'C:\Users\jluca\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2021.2\plugins\intellij-micropython\typehints\stdlib', 'C:\Users\jluca\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2021.2\plugins\intellij-micropython\typehints\micropython', 'C:\Users\jluca\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2021.2\plugins\intellij-micropython\typehints\rpi_pico', 'C:/Users/jluca/OneDrive/Apps/Analytical Engine/Python/Client'])
PyDev console: starting.
Python 3.10.3 (tags/v3.10.3:a342a49, Mar 16 2022, 13:07:40) [MSC v.1929 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32

Answer 1

The first problem I see here is that you're not properly instantiating the ClientBaseClass object. You're missing parentheses here:
if __name__ == "__main__":
time.sleep(15) # Delay to open Putty
print("Starting")
print("Going to class")
cb = clientBase.ClientBaseClass # <-- THIS IS INCORRECT
cb.process()
This is setting the variable cb the class ClientBaseClass, rather than creating a new object of that class.
You need:
if __name__ == "__main__":
time.sleep(15) # Delay to open Putty
print("Starting")
print("Going to class")
cb = clientBase.ClientBaseClass()
cb.process()
I don't know if that's your only problem or not; seeing your traceback will shed more details on the problem.
If I fix that one problem, it all seems to work. I'm using ampy to transfer files to my Pico board (I've also repeated the same process using the Thonny edit, which provides a menu-driven interface for working with Micropython boards):
$ ampy -p /dev/usbserial/3/1.4.2 put main.py
$ ampy -p /dev/usbserial/3/1.4.2 put clientBase.py
$ picocom -b 115200 /dev/usbserial/3/1.4.2
I press return to get the Micropython REPL prompt:
<CR>
>>>
And then type CTRL-D to reset the board:
>>> <CTRL-D>
MPY: soft reboot
And then the board comes up, the code executes as expected:
<pause for 15 seconds>
Starting
Going to class
init
Process
MicroPython v1.18 on 2022-01-17; Raspberry Pi Pico with RP2040
Type "help()" for more information.
>>>
(note that if you replace MicroPython with CircuitPython,the Pico will show up as a drive and you can just drag-and-drop files on it.)

Answer 2

Tried micropython and circuitpython with Pycharm, Thonny and VisualStudio code. The only thing that reliably works is CircuitPython with Mu editor. I think its all about the way the .py files are copied to the Pico board and life's too short to do more diagnostics. Mu is pretty basic but it works! Thanks for the help.