How to learn raspberry

Hi Rahil,

A good starting point is the educational manual (PDF link here).

It contains a section on Python to get started.

Great educational manual.  I have a different hard copy book at home that focuses more on the python language.  I like the manual you referenced as it covers python and scratch ( I have yet to play with it).  I've been using either C or Python for my simple Pi projects just to learn more about different ways to control things. 

My beginning interest in the Pi started when I was researching how to control LED lights so I could do something unique with my 66 Ford F250.  That is till my goal project but after getting into the Pi I've gone bananas with all kinds of different things.  LED control, LCD screens, DC motor control...  Right now I'm playing with using python to drive a stepper motor.  Got that part down now seeing if I can interface the motor control to an analog joystick. 

Just starting out I found that grabbing a starter kit is a great investment.  Mine came with LED's both single color and an RGB (which I used to create a red and blue flashing light for my son), resistors, diodes, sonic transmitter and receiver, 16 x 2 LCD screen, small breadboard and a vast assortment of jumper wires.  I snagged mine with a Raspberry Pi but there are kits available on ebay without the Pi.  I have not checked the element14 store yet so you may want to start there.

I would also check out The Ben Heck Show and Jerri Ellsworth here at element14  Very inspirational and has my idea wheels turning!!

Hi Travis,

Have you checked out the Free Online Video Courses from the guys at Google? Its' at Udacity.com. The course that teaches beginner Python is called, Introduction to Computer Science. It's here, (https://www.udacity.com/course/cs101). I took it, when it first cam out, a year or two ago and it was great. It did move a bit fast for me. But, they say, that they have changed things. So that people can move at their own pace, now. I plan on taking it again. The Course Catalog is here, with all of their courses, (https://www.udacity.com/courses). They now, also have Credited Courses too. Here's a Post on an interesting one, (http://blog.udacity.com/2013/11/sebastian-thrun-launching-our-data.html?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email)

Don

A lot of people recommend The MagPi on-line magazine as a good source of ideas for RasPi newbies.

Also, be sure to check out the RasPi Wiki.  It has a wealth of lore, especially for RasPi hardware and troubleshooting:  RPi Hub - eLinux.org

I will check it out.  My Computer Science class in college did Pascal.  Wish I still had the floppy that contained the screen saver I wrote. (darn cat)

MagPi is surely one of the best places to start.

I've also noticed a new, non free, magazine around: raspberry pi geek, It's very nice.

As for books: Programming the Raspberry Pi by Simon Monk is one of the best. ISBN:978-0-07-180783-8

And of course the links provided in the replies

If you would like some detailed information on the Raspberry Pi Hardware, you can download the RPi Hardware Guide from the Android, Apple and Windows Phone stores.

Thank you for giving me a suggestion.   Can I buy this book for free or I have to buy it?

They book by Simon can be bought from various places.

There is no official free download version.

It's not very expensive and it's worth every penny.

I started with TheMag Pi, amazing place to start and it fun too !!