Which ESP32 board model should I choose? Comparison of ESP-WROOM-32 V2 and ESP32-WROOM-32D DEVKIT V4

Hi all,

I would like to start playing with ESP32 and MicroPython, but I don't know which development board to choose. There are some models out there. I don't quite know what the differences are and if there is a difference for me. For the time being I'm thinking about the ESP32 DevKit ESP-WROOM-32 V2 or the ESP32-WROOM-32D DEVKIT V4. What do the different letters at the end of the designation after 32 or its complete absence mean? Should I choose V4 to start with because it's newer or some other model?

andijaw wrote:

ESP32 DevKit ESP-WROOM-32 V2 or ESP32-WROOM-32D DEVKIT V4.

The difference is mainly due to the subsequent pcb design. It is better to take the newer model, it has a faster USB/UART bridge.

andijaw wrote:

What do the different letters at the end of the designation after 32 or its complete absence mean?

The one with the letter D is a newer version of the chip. Both 100% compatible.

andijaw wrote:

Should I choose V4 to start with because it is newer or maybe some other model?

Yes, I think. Link

Thank you for the hints
And what do you think about MicroPython? Is/will it be used in commercial applications or can it only be useful for hobbyists? Maybe it's better to hit C straight away because uPython is a toy?

In my opinion, MicroPython for ESP32 is more for hobbyists. On the other hand, I know of at least one user on this forum who would disagree with me In MicroPython many things will be unattainable or very difficult, e.g. designing multi-threaded applications. Besides, the ESP32 doesn't have RAM made of rubber, and MicroPython is a bit demanding in this respect.

andijaw wrote:

Maybe it's better to hit C right away because uPython is a toy?

My recommendation is C or C++, but I can't be objective .

khoam wrote:

My recommendation is C or C++, but I can't be objective

How then to start with C? Just in general or straight away on some hardware e.g. STM32?

You can start right away by programming in C on the ESP32. The most "friendly" IDE in this case, in my opinion, would be Visual Studio Code with the PlatformIO plugin. This is convenient as PlatformIO automatically downloads and configures the entire toolchain for ESP32.
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