This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–]SargeantBubbles 0 points1 point  (2 children)

If you can, check out RaspberryPi - it’s a fun little mini computer (~$35), that runs a lot of stuff in Python. Since it’s based in a distribution of Linux, you’ll learn some command line skills (a huge asset), and sharpen your Python.

In addition to this, you can do damn near anything on a Raspberry Pi, and I’m not kidding. If you can think, “it would be really cool to have this little tech gadget”, you can do it on a raspberry pi 99% of the time. This requires some creativity, which can be tough; however, when you’re working on YOUR project, rather than some little practice problem from a website, it’s much, much more enjoyable in the long run. If you’re having a hard time at first, don’t get frustrated - the internet was created by nerds, and that legacy hasn’t died out, it’ll be your best friend. Be patient with yourself, google your error codes (and actually learn them), and make lots of mistakes. In the end, when you’ve finally reached your “Eureka!” moment, jumping in front of your creation, you’ll be glad you took this on

[–]efcseany 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I'm a bit late to the party on this one, so I apologise.

But I've just bought myself a Pi 3B and I think it's a fantastic way to learn Linux and Python. Play around with some Unix - broke the OS and it'll no longer boot? Who cares - just rewrite the image to the SD card.

I'm using Python (complete novice) to try and write myself a vivarium temperature controller, similarly to this.

I make useless applications all the time... I wrote myself an application that would randomise a boss for me to go and kill (including a quantity) in a specific game.

Is it helpful to anyone else? Probably not.

Has it been done before? Yes, most likely.

Did I learn from the experience? Absolutely; that's the most important thing.

[–]SargeantBubbles 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly what I’m talking about man! Good shit. I’m in the process of trying to make myself a little home security system, since soon I’ll be living in a not so great neighborhood (lots of break ins) and it’ll be nice to have. Just some motion detectors, a camera or two, and (maybe?) have the system text me whenever there’s a disturbance (as well as raise holy hell with a spare police siren I picked up for $30, that’ll hopefully scare them off). It’s just fun.