A fun and imaginative way for kids and other beginners to take their first steps programming on a Raspberry Pi.
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.
About the Technology
The Raspberry Pi is a small, low-cost computer invented to encourage experimentation. The Pi is a snap to set up, and using the free Python programming language, you can learn to create video games, control robots, and maybe even write programs to do your math homework!
About the Book
Hello Raspberry Pi! is a fun way for kids to take their first steps programming on a Raspberry Pi. First, you discover how to set up and navigate the Pi. Next, begin Python programming by learning basic concepts with engaging challenges and games. This book gives you an introduction to computer programming as you gain the confidence to explore, learn, and create on your own. The last part of the book introduces you to the world of computer control of physical objects, where you create interactive projects with lights, buttons, and sounds.
What's Inside
About the Reader
To use this book, you'll need a Raspberry Pi starter kit, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. No programming experience needed.
Delightful introduction to Raspberry Pi and python, especially for kids, but beginner adults will enjoy the tone and pace also.
The projects are well designed to keep interest while giving a broad taste of what the device can do. Each step is meticulously detailed, and troubleshooting is through. Both some cultural history of the technology and fundamental concepts of electronics and computer operation are presented. Kids will end up comfortable with both command line Linux and simple circuit boards.
I'm amazed at how comparable this $35 Pi is to my professional software engineer desktop computer of 20 years ago. How far we have come! And how much can this empower anyone to learn.
My only concern is whether this "subject matter" is still practical, even with the challenge exercises, or is it mostly historical? In art/crafts, folks still do need to learn brush technique and hand tools for wood/metal. Who needs circuit boards and the command line? Should kids be jumping right into higher level AI frameworks and 3D CAD interfaces? I appreciate fundamentals, but I do wonder what kind of engineer/creator will Pi shape?
That said, just simply to learn basic python, this must be one of the most engaging hands on programs available.