Python Overview
Python is a programming language that lets you write code quickly and effectively. With a design philosophy that focuses on code readability, Python is easy to learn and use. Thanks to the advances in single board computers and powerful microcontrollers, Python can now be used to control hardware.
Getting Started
Let's dive in and learn how to write your own programs with Python to blink lights, respond to button pushes, read sensors, and log data on the Raspberry Pi.
Python Programming Tutorial: Getting Started with the Raspberry Pi
June 27, 2018
This guide will show you how to write programs on your Raspberry Pi using Python to control hardware.
Tutorials
Let's take it a step further now and get into some peripherals of using python including graphing, charting and GUI design.
MicroPython Programming Tutorial: Getting Started with the ESP32 Thing
September 26, 2018
MicroPython is an implementation and subset of the Python 3 programming language that can be used on microcontrollers. This guide will walk you through writing MicroPython programs for the ESP32 Thing development board.
How to Run a Raspberry Pi Program on Startup
September 18, 2018
In this tutorial, we look at various methods for running a script or program automatically whenever your Raspberry Pi (or other Linux computer) boots up.
How to Load MicroPython on a Microcontroller Board
September 4, 2018
This tutorial will show you how to load the MicroPython interpreter onto a variety of development boards.
Raspberry gPIo
October 29, 2015
How to use either Python or C++ to drive the I/O lines on a Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi SPI and I2C Tutorial
October 29, 2015
Learn how to use serial I2C and SPI buses on your Raspberry Pi using the wiringPi I/O library for C/C++ and spidev/smbus for Python.
Graph Sensor Data with Python and Matplotlib
July 23, 2018
Use matplotlib to create a real-time plot of temperature data collected from a TMP102 sensor connected to a Raspberry Pi.
Python GUI Guide: Introduction to Tkinter
August 13, 2018
Tkinter is the standard graphical user interface package that comes with Python. This tutorial will show you how to create basic windowed applications as well as complete full-screen dashboard examples complete with live graph updates from matplotlib.
Computer Vision and Projection Mapping in Python
February 6, 2019
Use computer vision to detect faces and project images on top of them.
Products
You can use Python from any computer, but the Raspberry Pi is a good place to start learning how to control hardware with the language. A few goodies on your workspace will become necessary the more you dive into this language. Here’s a list of recommended products that are helpful as you become an expert in Python.
Additional Resources
Below is a list of extra resources that will help you get your Raspberry Pi set up for writing Python.
Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit Hookup Guide
April 11, 2016
Guide for getting going with the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ starter kit.
Getting Started with the Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless
July 13, 2017
Learn how to setup, configure and use the smallest Raspberry Pi yet, the Raspberry Pi Zero - Wireless.
Headless Raspberry Pi Setup
April 23, 2018
Configure a Raspberry Pi without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.
Setting up a Raspberry Pi 3 as an Access Point
April 23, 2018
This guide will show you how to configure a Raspberry Pi as an access point and connect it to your local Ethernet network to share Internet to other WiFi devices.
How to Use Remote Desktop on the Raspberry Pi with VNC
July 9, 2018
Use RealVNC to connect to your Raspberry Pi to control the graphical desktop remotely across the network.
Projects
Need some inspiration for your next Python project? Here are some project ideas to get you started.
Raspberry Pi Stand-Alone Programmer
March 8, 2018
This tutorial will show you how to use a headless Raspberry Pi to flash hex files onto AVR microcontrollers as a stand-alone programmer. It also tells the story about production programming challenges, how SparkFun came to this solution, and all the lessons learned along the way.
IoT Weight Logging Scale
May 9, 2018
This tutorial will show you how to make a scale that logs your weight to a custom website on the Internet. The principles can be extrapolated to any type of data.
Raspberry Pi Zero Helmet Impact Force Monitor
March 8, 2018
How much impact can the human body handle? This tutorial will teach you how to build your very own impact force monitor using a helmet, Raspberry Pi Zero, and accelerometer!
Using Flask to Send Data to a Raspberry Pi
November 9, 2017
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to use the Flask framework for Python to send data from ESP8266 WiFi nodes to a Raspberry Pi over an internal WiFi network.
Bark Back Interactive Pet Monitor
March 8, 2017
Monitor and interact with pets through this dog bark detector project based on the Raspberry Pi!