The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1

This module describes the basic functionality the Raspberry Pi B+ board. I'll describe how to set up the board, configure it, and use it. An important point differentiating Raspberry Pi from the Arduino platform which we have talked about previously is that Raspberry Pi uses an operating system. I'll describe some of the implications of an operating system on the behavior of the Raspberry Pi as an IoT device.

Module 2

The Raspberry Pi is typically installed with a Linux-based operating system, so we present the basics of Linux and its use. We describe some of the main features including navigating the file system and managing processes. We describe the text-based user interface through the shell and we overview the graphic user interface which is the default with the Raspian Linux distribution.

Module 3

We present the basics of the Python programming language to prepare you for programming on the Raspberry Pi. Many languages can be used but Python is the most convenient for the Raspberry Pi because convenient APIs are provided for basic operations such as controlling the pins. Python is a powerful language with useful features that we will present so that you can use these features to control the Raspberry Pi.

Module 4

In this module we describe how to communicate with devices through the pins of the Raspberry Pi. We examine the RPi.GPIO library which provides Python functions used to access the pins. We discuss how to set up the pins, apply digital voltages, and generate Pulse Width Modulated signals. We also describe the Tkinter Python library and show how it can be used to access pins through a graphic user interface.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in configuring operating systems, writing code, and interfacing with hardware

Teaches Python, which is highly relevant for IoT

Uses Raspberry Pi, an established platform for IoT

Provides hands-on experience with hardware and programming

Emphasizes the use of Python-based IDEs, which are industry standard

Provides a good foundation for beginners in IoT hardware programming

Reviews summary

Informative raspberry pi and python course

Learners say this course provides an engaging and informative introduction to the Raspberry Pi platform and Python programming. It covers a wide range of topics, including the architecture of the Raspberry Pi, its uses, features, configuration, and programming with Python for IoT using GPIO pins. Many reviewers said the lectures were clear and easy to follow along with, the professor is knowledgeable and engaging, and that the course is well-paced for beginners. One of the key features mentioned frequently was the hands-on assignments, which learners reported as being a valuable way to apply the concepts learned in the lectures and test their understanding. Overall, this course is largely positive received by learners.

Presented in a way that makes learning easy.

"The course content is designed very well."

"I enjoyed it a lot."

"Lot of things are revised and many new approaches are discovered in the course."

Provides a good starting point for learning about Raspberry Pi and Python.

"This course serves as a very good introduction to Raspberry Pi, the Raspbian operating system and Python programming"

"Very easy and useful introduction to the Raspberry Pi and Python platforms."

"I've had experience with the Raspberry Pi and this course is mainly targeted towards a complete beginner."

Includes hands-on assignments to reinforce learning.

"This course gave me a good hands on experience."

"Now I am familiar with linux and raspberry pi."

Suitable for beginners with little to no prior knowledge of the subject matter.

"If is your first time trying raspberry or programming in python this is a great introduction."

"The course is apt for beginners."

"It brings in interest to take up on courses on Raspberry pi"

May not provide enough depth for experienced learners.

"The course was too basic."

"Presented information and videos could be improved."

Some of the content is outdated and no longer relevant.

"But it needs to update its content because API has moved to GPIOZERO and I think even some of the python code itself does not work anymore."

"Not sure if it is related to Python version or not."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi with these activities:

Attend Raspberry Pi meetups or conferences

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Connect with other Raspberry Pi enthusiasts to share knowledge and learn from their experiences.

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Search for local Raspberry Pi meetups or conferences
Attend an event and engage with the community

Review 'Raspberry Pi User Guide'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Raspberry Pi's capabilities and applications.

View Raspberry Pi User Guide on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to the course topics

Review Linux basics

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Review the basics of Linux to build a strong foundation for working with the Raspberry Pi.

Browse courses on Linux

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Review online tutorials on Linux basics
Complete a Linux基礎知識入門 course

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Join a Raspberry Pi study group or discussion forum

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Engage with fellow learners to clarify concepts, share ideas, and solve problems.

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Find a Raspberry Pi study group or discussion forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Follow Python tutorials for Raspberry Pi

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Enhance your Python skills tailored to Raspberry Pi applications.

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Search for beginner-friendly Python tutorials for Raspberry Pi
Follow a comprehensive course on Python for Raspberry Pi

Practice Python code exercises

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Strengthen your understanding of Python by solving coding challenges.

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Find online Python code exercises
Solve programming problems on platforms like HackerRank

Contribute to Raspberry Pi open-source projects

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Enhance your understanding of Raspberry Pi's ecosystem and contribute to its community.

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Explore open-source projects related to Raspberry Pi
Identify a project to contribute to
Submit code contributions or documentation improvements

Career center

Learners who complete The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

IoT Developer

An IoT Developer designs, develops, and maintains IoT devices and applications. These devices and applications are typically used to collect and analyze data from the physical world. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course can be helpful for this role because it provides a foundation in IoT development and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for IoT Developer

Embedded Software Engineer

An Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains embedded software systems. These systems are typically used in devices such as medical equipment, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course can be helpful for this role because it provides a foundation in embedded systems programming and hardware interfacing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Software Engineer

Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains electronic hardware systems. These systems are typically used in devices such as computers, smartphones, and medical equipment. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in electronics and hardware interfacing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains robotic systems. These systems are typically used in manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in embedded systems programming and hardware interfacing.

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Computer Vision Engineer

A Computer Vision Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains computer vision systems. These systems are typically used in security, surveillance, and medical imaging. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in image processing and machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Vision Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator installs, configures, and maintains computer systems. These systems are typically used to store and process data, run applications, and provide access to the internet. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in systems administration and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights. These insights are typically used to make informed decisions about products, marketing campaigns, and business strategies. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in data analysis and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer designs, develops, and maintains mobile applications. These mobile applications are typically used on smartphones and tablets. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in mobile development and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst protects computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in cybersecurity and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and software. This support may include troubleshooting problems, answering questions, and providing documentation. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in technical support and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications. These applications are typically used in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in software development and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains machine learning systems. These systems are typically used in a variety of applications, such as fraud detection, medical diagnosis, and speech recognition. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in machine learning and Python programming.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. These websites and web applications are typically used to provide information, products, and services to users. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in web development and Python programming.

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Game Developer

A Game Developer designs, develops, tests, and maintains video games. These video games are typically played on consoles, computers, and mobile devices. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in game development and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer networks. These networks are typically used to connect computers, printers, and other devices. The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the Raspberry Pi course may be useful for this role because it provides a foundation in networking and Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer