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What should I start with (Raspberry Pi or Arduino)?

Former Member

I’m a father for 11 years old carious boy and I would like to introduce him to some “electronic” based projects and code writing (he’s taking java coding at school). What is the recommendation to start with, Raspberry Pi micro-computer or Arduino micro-controller? Also are there any good projects to start with to gain experience and keep an 11 year old engaged? I’m looking to get help and ideas on how to jump start our journey.

Thanks.

Parents
  • 0

    I'm glad you asked!...

     

    I wrote an essay on the subject...

     

    Arduino or Pi... or other? - hh9bardupi

     

    My "authority"? Twenty years of teaching science and computing, to learners from 10-18, in UK schools.

     

    Oh... and GTS (Geek Tendency Syndrome)

     

    The page cited also leads to various tutorials I hope you and your learner will find useful.

     

    Picking up on what you said... curious/ learning Java at school:

     

    I really don't think it will over-strech his capabilities to divide his attention between Java at school, Java or Lazarus at home, on a PC, to do PROGRAMMING, and Arduino (or Pi), but NOT with Java, to learn computer controlled electronics. Yes, in a "perfect world", (for him) someone would do a Java programming environment for the Arduino. Not necessary, though! The "new" language, to access the Arduino Not a Big Deal.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    The Information there is too dated.

    For example:

    If you were my child, I'd give you an Arduino... in addition to showing you things you could do with "just" a laptop. But the Pi has things to commend it, too.

    It would appear that the new multi-cored Pi has reasonable performance to the point that it could realistically be used as an alternative to a desktop or laptop PC.

     

    Secondly, perhaps community size no longer makes sense for Arduino or Pi, both are huge:

    Re-read what I wrote about the Arduino, and infer the complement: Arduino- mature/ Pi- less mature; Arduino- big community/ Pi- smaller community. Etc.

     

    Also, lets not forget that the Pi runs Linux - one of the worlds most popular operating systems (not talking about desktop computing) - so there is a massive community for Linux.

     

    Anyway, back to the poster's original question, I'd really check if it actually was Java, or JavaScript that the child is currently learning if he/she is 11.

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  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    The Information there is too dated.

    For example:

    If you were my child, I'd give you an Arduino... in addition to showing you things you could do with "just" a laptop. But the Pi has things to commend it, too.

    It would appear that the new multi-cored Pi has reasonable performance to the point that it could realistically be used as an alternative to a desktop or laptop PC.

     

    Secondly, perhaps community size no longer makes sense for Arduino or Pi, both are huge:

    Re-read what I wrote about the Arduino, and infer the complement: Arduino- mature/ Pi- less mature; Arduino- big community/ Pi- smaller community. Etc.

     

    Also, lets not forget that the Pi runs Linux - one of the worlds most popular operating systems (not talking about desktop computing) - so there is a massive community for Linux.

     

    Anyway, back to the poster's original question, I'd really check if it actually was Java, or JavaScript that the child is currently learning if he/she is 11.

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