Learning Raspberry Pi

by Samarth Shah

Unlock your creative programming potential by creating web technologies, image processing, electronics- and robotics-based projects using the Raspberry PiAbout This BookLearn how to create games, web, and desktop applications using the best features of the Raspberry PiDiscover the powerful development tools that allow you to cross-compile your software and build your own Linux distribution for maximum performanceStep-by-step tutorials show you how to quickly develop real-world applications using the Raspberry PiWho This Book Is ForIf you have a passion for technology and want to explore the world of Raspberry Pi, then this book provides you with all the tools and information you are looking for. Although being familiar with basic programming concepts is useful, you can still learn a lot from this book as a wide variety of topics are covered.

What You Will LearnGet to grips with the basics of Linux administration, along with the inner workings of Linux distributionsDevelop a web interface that can be used to upload selected files and create playlistsDiscover how to connect your Raspberry Pi to the real world using analog inputsBuild your own remote-controlled robotGet to know about different image processing operationsExplore troubleshooting tips and tricksCreate your own Twitter-enabled Raspberry Pi cameraIn DetailRaspberry Pi is one of the most popular development boards and a staple tool among developers because of its low cost and flexibility.

Learning Raspberry Pi is a practical tutorial, providing you with the skills required to design and build your own projects. By working through the examples and projects in the book, you will build up your knowledge of software and hardware development and be able to create projects of your own.

This book contains a set of tutorials and examples for commonly used technologies, accompanied by practical projects that bring the topics together. Each individual project that you become involved with allows you to develop an important set of skills, building up your confidence to tackle more advanced applications of your own.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Heleen Durston · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Learning Raspberry Pi” by Samarth Shah is not the introductory book to the Raspberry Pi that you might think from the title. The book is meant for someone who already has some experience with the device and is looking to expand their knowledge of what’s possible. The book assumes that you have a model B Raspberry Pi and the special camera that was designed especially for the Raspberry Pi which you usually have to buy separately. Additional hardware is required to complete some of the exercises in the book.
The book begins by explaining how to set-up your Raspberry Pi and use New Out Of the Box Software (NOOBS) to load the Linux operating system on the device. Once this is done all sorts of wonderful things are possible! Each chapter in the book covers different projects that you can complete with your Raspberry Pi (usually some extra pieces of equipment).
The second chapter discusses how you can set-up a web server and create web pages with the Python computer language and Wordpress. By the end of the chapter you can have your own music station running from the Raspberry Pi.
The third chapter does a brief explanation of basic electronics and then helps you create your own digital clock and finally an actual alarm clock. This all requires extra parts that you would need to purchase separately. On a side note I got my Raspberry Pi in the form of a kit (many of which are available online) that came with several pieces of extra equipment including diodes, resistors, etc. Most of what you need for the clock is contained within that kit.
The fourth chapter covers robotics, one of my favorite aspects of having a Raspberry Pi. The projects in this chapter definitely require you to purchase extra equipment including the special Raspberry Pi camera. Three separate projects are created and then these three are combined together to make a robot. Lots of scripting in Python is required to make each part of the robot work.
The next chapter is about image processing and some of the amazing things that can be done with the camera and your Raspberry Pi. The OpenCV image processing software is used to let you manipulate pictures that you capture with the camera. You also learn how to take time-lapsed pictures and how to set-up a Twitter controlled camera.
Chapter six dives into software algorithms that can help with the image processing. Details are given on how to set-up facial recognition and even object tracking. So your Raspberry Pi can be set-up to be a surveillance camera of sorts. How cool is that?!! All of this takes patience and determination but is achievable with the details provided in the book.
The book ends with some tips for using the Raspberry Pi as well as help with common problems that can occur. Resources for more advanced projects are listed and author provides his email address so that you can tell him of any Raspberry Pi problems you may have.
This is a very interesting book and is great for someone who has completed a couple of projects from the Raspberry Pi website. Many hours of enjoyment and learning can be had from following the projects provided in this book.