The Raspberry Pi is a nifty device. As a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) single-board device, the Raspberry Pi lends itself well to a bevy of uses. Projects range from media center and retro gaming applications to do-it-yourself (DIY) smart home tech. But programming on the Raspberry Pi offers loads of learning opportunities.

Because many Raspberry Pi operating systems (OSes) include development tools, it's a solid pick to learn programming. However, you can also program the Raspberry Pi for various projects. Check out 10 best Pi Programming resources to put your Raspberry Pi to use.

Best Pi Programming Resources

raspberry pi touchscreen case

Programming resources with the Raspberry Pi span the gamut. Even setting up a Raspberry Pi offers an opportunity to learn basic shell commands. But theres's much more to the Raspberry Pi than simply bash. With a bevy of hardware and software integrations, the Raspberry Pi is an amazing piece of hardware. Moreover, programming the Pi leads to useful projects. From books to websites and videos, take a look at the best Pi programming resources.

1. DZone IoT Applications With Java and Raspberry Pi

DZone-RPi-Refcard

DZone is a robust website and community for developers and tech professionals. While there's a slew of daily site content, its guides and reference cards provide deep dives into specific topics. Stephen Chin, lead Java community manager at Oracle, gives an hefty introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) applications using Java and the Raspberry Pi.

Chin's refcard delves into Java programming. Nevertheless, it's still beginner-friendly. This refcard covers everything from setup to programming with Java and testing I/O library LEDs. Thus, the DZone IoT applications with Java and Raspberry Pi refcard gives a comprehensive software and hardware overview. DZone's IoT section delivers a fresh stream of content that occasionally has a Raspberry Pi focus like this piece on playing with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMcu, and MQTT.

2. RaspberryPi.org

RPi-ORG

RaspberryPi.org remains one of the top Raspberry Pi resources available. Its blog offers many community-sourced projects. Plus, the education section is pure Pi programming gold. You'll find tons of free resources for learning, making, and teaching. Topics covered include using pip on Windows to a Git intro, and even Getting Started with Minecraft Pi. Minecraft comes standard on the Raspbian Linux operating system for the Raspberry Pi. While Minecraft is a game, it's one of the best coding apps available.

3. Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started With Python

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While tons of Raspberry Pi programming material lies a mere button click away, books also cater to Pi programming. Simon Monk's Programming, the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python focuses on learning games and programming. These are tailored for the Pi and concentrate on the Python programming language.

Python is a top programming language for beginners and one of the most versatile web programming languages. Monk's guide to Python programming on the Pi covers basics of the Python language, lists, dictionaries, and strings, as well as classes and modules. There's a section on game programming as well as hardware interfacing. Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python is the best book available for Pi programming with Python.

4. Adafruit Learn

Adafruit-learn

Adafruit features an array of accessories for the likes of Pi boards and the Arduino. Yet its learning section presents awesome guides for Raspberry Pi development. You'll find tutorials and guides for Windows IoT core. Additionally, Adafruit provides write-ups on making gadgets like a handheld notebook.

Because of the variety of projects, Adafruit's learning resources rank among the best Pi programming materials. Furthermore, these guides remain free. Many follow an intuitive picture-based format which ensures easy to follow guides.

5. Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi Programming for beginners, including Raspberry Pi projects, tips, tricks, and more

RPi-Newport

Craig Newport authored this excellent book of Raspberry Pi programming goodies. Covering everything from projects to general pointers, it's the top Raspberry Pi programming resource for beginners. Because hardware and software are inherently tied, Newport's book begins with an overview of hardware and what the Pi is.

But it's a mere 64 pages. Like many coding bootcamps, don't expect Newport's book to transform you into a programmer or teach you everything you need to know. This is best for newbies as a teaser to the world of Pi programming. Rather than a comprehensive guide, it's a starter for your foray into Pi programming.

6. CoderDojo Kata [No Longer Available]

Coder-Dojo

For fantastic learning resources, check out CoderDojo. Its Raspberry Pi content is vast and beneficial. CoderDojo hosts both internal and external Pi resources. You'll find a neat how-to for making a streaming webcam [PDF] with a Pi and Python. There's an excellent section on configuring a Pi-based Apache web server. However, you'll also find entry-level pieces like setting up a Pi. This veritable treasure trove of Raspberry Pi programming dominates.

7. Raspberry Pi Geek

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Raspberry Pi Geek features a bevy of Pi programming material. In its June 2017 edition, you'll find articles on operating a Pi in 64-bit mode. Additionally, Raspberry Pi Geek includes tutorials such as creating a streetcar with a Pi and Lego Mindstorms.

Because of its several sections, Raspberry Pi Geek is a best bet for Raspberry Pi programming. There's a magazine section and fantastic How To Corner as well.

8. YouTube

Among the best Raspberry Pi programming resources on YouTube, Raspberry Pi IV Beginners is superb. TechErudio also boasts a substantial library. Geek Gurl Diaries similarly offers a slew of excellent Pi programming and general programming videos. Because the content is in a video format, YouTube Pi programming resources are perfect for visual learners.

9. MakeUseOf

If you're reading this article, chances are you appreciate MakeUseOf as well as Raspberry Programming. Therefore, why not take a look at the smattering of Raspberry Pi programming resources right here on MakeUseOf? Although programming may sound intimidating, loads of entry-level projects make getting started for beginners pretty simple.

Moreover, programming resources for the Raspberry Pi allow you to make awesome gadgets. For instance, Raspberry Pi devices are perfect for home automation projects. Building a DIY iBeacon is an awesome means to learn basic shell commands. Still not convinced to snag a Raspberry Pi? These seven reasons such as versatility and entertainment value make the Pi a top pick.

Bye Bye, Programming Pi

Although these are the top Pi programming resources, there's a seemingly limitless supply of books, websites, and more focused on Raspberry Pi programming. What resources you pick depends on your intent. While most of these resources are wide ranging, certain sites offer beginner-friendly Pi programming tutorials and tips, whereas others focus on increasingly advanced topics.

Which Pi programming resources do you recommend?

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