esptool.py:tldr:883de

The command "sudo esptool.py --port ${port} --baud ${baud_rate} erase_flash" is used to erase the flash memory of an ESP8266 or ESP32 microcontroller using the esptool.py tool.

Here's a breakdown of the command:

• "sudo" is a command used in Unix-like operating systems to execute the following command with administrative privileges. It is typically required when performing operations that require special permissions, such as flashing firmware to a microcontroller.

• "esptool.py" is a Python-based tool used for flashing firmware to ESP8266 and ESP32 microcontrollers. It can perform various operations like reading, writing, and erasing flash memory.

• "--port ${port}" specifies the serial port to which the microcontroller is connected. The actual port is substituted with the value of the variable "${port}".

• "--baud ${baud_rate}" sets the baud rate for communication between the computer and the microcontroller. The actual baud rate is substituted with the value of the variable "${baud_rate}".

• "erase_flash" is a specific operation that instructs esptool.py to erase the entire flash memory of the microcontroller. This operation is typically performed before flashing new firmware to ensure a clean slate.

By running this command with the appropriate values for the "--port" and "--baud" options, the flash memory of the ESP8266 or ESP32 microcontroller connected to the specified serial port will be completely erased.