Programming languages: Here’s how Raspberry Pi is generating a new generation of Python builders

February 18, 2022 Floo

Raspberry Pi’s Python course teaches young coders how to use variables, loops, and features to build interactive projects.

Image: SolStock/GETTY

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has released a new introductory route for Python programming aimed at younger people today.

The new Introduction to Python project route has been designed to train children the fundamentals of Python programming and support them get assimilated with core programming principles via palms-on initiatives developed by the Raspberry Pi Basis.

Aimed at newbies and extra knowledgeable young programmers, the system will take learners by a amount of guided tasks and additional impartial assignments, right before being presented the possibility to create a little something one of a kind making use of the know-how they’ve obtained.

SEE: Best Raspberry Pi alternative 2022: Best SBCs

Raspberry Pi already delivers discovering paths in Scratch programming, in which younger coders are guided by means of basic programming and style expertise to build apps, video games, and laptop or computer-produced art, employing the block-primarily based language.

The Introduction to Python path is anything of a move up in conditions of complexity: currently being a textual content-based mostly language, the challenge path is created to get young coders familiar with the fundamental concepts of ‘true’ programming languages utilised in the serious environment, these kinds of as syntax, utilizing variables, and defining features.

Python is an excellent language for youthful and newbie coders due to the fact its syntax is very similar to the English language, according to Raspberry Pi learning supervisor, Rebecca Franks.

Python is also a programming language that’s commonly utilised by skilled builders in burgeoning fields like details science, building it a valuable talent for young coders fascinated in a job in tech.

“The ‘Introduction to Python’ task route is developed in accordance to our Electronic Making Framework, encouraging learners to grow to be unbiased coders and digital makers by gently getting rid of scaffolding as they progress alongside the tasks in a route,” Franks explained in a blog site submit.

“The construction of our Electronic Making Framework implies that learners knowledge the structured progress procedure of a coding task and find out how to change their suggestions into truth. The Framework also supports with acquiring errors in their code (debugging), displaying them that errors are a portion of laptop or computer programming and just temporary setbacks that you can triumph over.”

SEE: Programming languages: How Python is developing a developer community of thousands and thousands

Raspberry Pi’s Python job path is split into six elements, commencing with 3 ‘Explore’ assignments in which learners are released to new coding techniques through guided jobs. In contrast to some other introductory programs that aim on creating textual content-centered outputs, Raspberry Pi’s venture route focuses on producing electronic visuals applying the Python p5 library.

After the ‘Explore’ jobs are two ‘Design’ tasks, in which young Python coders are encouraged to practise their coding skills with far more personalized creations. Finally, learners entire a single ‘Invent’ challenge, the place they set anything that they

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Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Launched With Broadcom BCM2710A1 SoC

November 2, 2021 Floo

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W microcontroller has been launched as a successor to Raspberry Pi Zero. Similar to the launch version of Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W also packs the Broadcom BCM2710A1 SoC. The wireless Zero W board features a 1GHz CPU that the company claims to deliver speeds up to five times faster than the former. It features 512MB of LPDDR2 RAM as well. The board is compatible with smart home applications and other IoT projects as well. Raspberry Pi Zero was launched back in 2015.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W price, availability

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is priced at $15 (roughly Rs. 1,100). The wireless Zero W board is currently available for purchase from multiple sellers listed on the official Raspberry Pi website in Canada, European Union, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W specifications

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W uses the same form factor as the original Raspberry Pi Zero. It is equipped with three more cores. The board has a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 CPU, clocked at 1GHz. Raspberry Pi RP3A0 system-in-package (SiP) is the major attraction of the board. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features BCM2710A1, coupled with 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features a single Mini-HDMI port and two Micro-USB ports for power and USB 2.0. Additionally, it comes with connectivity options such as 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN, and Bluetooth v4.2

For videos, it has OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0 graphics. H.264, MPEG-4 decode (1080p30), and H.264 encode (1080p30). Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features composite video and reset pin solder points, along with a CSI-2 camera connector. The board measures 65x30mm.

Along with the Zero 2 W, Raspberry Pi has also launched a new official USB power supply with a USB micro-B connector. The new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 PSU can also be used to power the Raspberry Pi 3B or 3B+. It carries a price tag of $8 (roughly Rs. 600) and is available in India with Type-D port.

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Nithya P Nair is a journalist with more than five years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in business and technology beats. A foodie at heart, Nithya loves exploring new places (read cuisines) and sneaking in Malayalam movie dialogues to spice up conversations.
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Raspberry Pi add-on teaches Node-RED I/O programming

October 30, 2021 Floo

On Kickstarter: Sequent has launched a $50 “Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit” with an STM MCU, 4x opto-isolated inputs, 2x relays, RS485, PWM output, power I/Os, and a Node-RED learning tutorial.

Sequent Microsystems, which specializes in Raspberry Pi add-on boards for I/O controls, such as its 16-Inputs for Raspberry Pi HAT, has now spun another Pi add-on aimed at teaching embedded I/O concepts using Node-RED, complete with downloadable tutorials. The company has already won Kickstarter funding for the $50 Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit, which ships in January.

Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit with (left) and without the Raspberry Pi
(click images to enlarge)

The Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit is equipped with a 32-bit STM microcontroller, an RS485 serial port transceiver, and a PWM output capable of driving a 5VDC/100mA motor. Other features include 4x optically isolated contact closure inputs and 2x relays that can drive 8A and 24V loads with LED status. You also get a 0-10V input and output and a 4-20mA current loop input and output, a pushbutton, and 4x programmable LEDs.

The I/O board is powered by a BYO Raspberry Pi via GPIO. It requires 5V/50mA to operate with the relays off or 200mA with both relays on. The kit includes 2x 2-pin plugs for the RS485 and PWM-driven micromotor, 8x 3-pin plugs for the I/Os, a self-test loopback cable, and brass standoffs, screws, and nuts.

Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit block diagram (left) and detail view
(click images to enlarge)

The KS page mentions an optional add-on kit that is not included among the standard packages. You can add the $25 kit at the end of your pledge. The kit supplies an on/off switch, thermistor, photoresistor, potentiometer, RS485 temperature and humidity sensor, and a micromotor.

Sequent has already posted a link to the first three chapters of the 12-chapter Node-RED tutorial. The tutorials show how to use the Node-RED visual I/O programming environment to control each of the interfaces of the Learning Kit. Examples range from building simple flows using the pushbuttons and LEDs to controlling devices over the Internet.

We asked Sequent Microsystems founder Mihai Beffa if the recent flurry of product announcements after a major slowdown over the summer meant we might be coming to the end of the chip shortage. “All signs are that the end of the shortage is nowhere near in sight,” answered Beffa, noting that a simple TI TCA9535PWR I/O expander that sold for $0.50 earlier this year now sells for $5. However, Sequent has already secured the chips it needs for at least 1,000 units.

Further information

The Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit is available on Kickstarter through Nov. 26 for $50, with volume discounts. Shipments are expected in January. More information may be found on the Kickstarter page, and more should eventually appear on the Sequent Microsystems website.