Cover of The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide

The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide

How to use your new computer

By: Gareth Halfacree

ISBN: 9781912047260

"Raspberry Pi is a small, clever, British-built computer that's packed with potential. Made using a desktop-class, energy-efficient processor, Raspberry Pi is designed to help you learn coding, discover how computers work, and build your own amazing things. This book was written to show you just how easy it is to get started. Learn how to set up your Raspberry Pi, install its operating system, and start using this fully functional computer. Start coding projects, with step-by-step guides using the Scratch 3, Python, and MicroPython programming languages. Experiment with connecting electronic components, and have fun creating amazing projects. This revised edition is updated for the latest Raspberry Pi computers: Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W as well as the latest Raspberry Pi OS. It also includes a new chapter on the Raspberry Pi Pico!"--Publisher's description.

Format: BOOK
Publisher: Unknown
Pages: N/A
Published: 2023-10-31
Language: en

AI Overview

"The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide" by Gareth Halfacree is a comprehensive resource designed to help users, from beginners to intermediate learners, understand and utilize the Raspberry Pi. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Introduction to Raspberry Pi: The book introduces the reader to the Raspberry Pi, its components, and how it works. It provides a guided tour of the board, explaining the system-on-chip (SoC), central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and random access memory (RAM) among other components.

  2. Setting Up the Raspberry Pi: It covers the essential items needed to set up the Raspberry Pi, including connecting peripherals and installing the operating system.

  3. Programming with Scratch and Python: The guide includes chapters on programming using Scratch 3, a block-based language, and Python, a text-based language. It provides step-by-step guides to help users start coding.

  4. Physical Computing: The book delves into physical computing, explaining how to control electronic components connected to the GPIO pins. This includes projects that involve LEDs, buttons, temperature sensors, and more.

  5. Latest Updates: The 5th edition is fully updated for the latest Raspberry Pi models, including the Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. It also covers the latest Raspberry Pi OS and includes a new chapter on the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to guide users through the process of setting up and using their Raspberry Pi. Here is a brief summary of the chapters:

  1. Chapter 1: Get to Know Your Raspberry Pi - An introduction to the Raspberry Pi, its components, and how it works.
  2. Chapter 2: Getting Started with Your Raspberry Pi - Essential items needed and how to connect them to set up the device.
  3. Chapter 3: Using Your Raspberry Pi - An overview of the Raspberry Pi operating system.
  4. Chapter 4: Programming with Scratch 3 - Learning to code using Scratch.
  5. Chapter 5: Programming with Python - Text-based coding with Python.
  6. Chapter 6: Physical Computing with Scratch and Python - Controlling electronic components using GPIO pins.
  7. Appendix F: Raspberry Pi Specifications - Detailed specifications of the Raspberry Pi models.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews from users and critics alike. It is praised for its clear and concise explanations, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. The inclusion of step-by-step guides and practical projects has been particularly well-received, helping users to quickly get started with their Raspberry Pi.

Availability

The book is available in both digital and physical formats. The digital version can be downloaded as a free PDF from the Raspberry Pi Press website, while physical copies are available from the Raspberry Pi Store in Cambridge, UK, and other bookstores like Waterstones and Foyles.

In summary, "The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide" by Gareth Halfacree is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of using the Raspberry Pi, from setting it up to advanced programming and physical computing projects. Its clear explanations and practical guides make it an essential tool for anyone looking to learn about the Raspberry Pi.