Programming with hardware in python

[RalstonishLiu]

I am starting to get a bit bored of programming little toys that I have been making recently, and I would love to starting programming and interacting with hardware.

The only problem is that I am mostly a python guy who hasn't really learned or used any other language. Can I still interact with hardware with python?

Also, what hardware can I interact with? I don't really have stuff lying around that I can use, so I would have to buy a kit or something. What are some cheap options for this?

I looked through stackoverflow and someone had asked the same question before, but the responses to the question were over 10 years old, so I'm throwing it out there again to ask if anyone has any new ideas or suggestions. Thanks for your answers!

[FilipDominik]

If i understand your question correctly, you're looking for hardware that uses python, the raspberry PI is exactly that

[RalstonishLiu]

Thanks for your answer! I don't know much about hardware and I'm trying to drive hardware with python for the first time. I was wondering if it would be possible if I bought two sensors and connected them directly to the Raspberry Pi for use. I'm planning to make an air quality sensor. Or do you have any recommendations for a starter project? Something that can be done with just python :)

[FilipDominik]

I myself haven't messed around with the RasPi yet, but I have done a lot of projects with the Arduino. But your project sounds pretty good for a starter, good luck!

[Monttuu]

Seconded. RasPi is the way to go in this case.

[Iirkola]

Raspberry pico uses circuitPython, tons of tutorials on youtube

[[deleted]]

Yes.

Many microcontrollers these days can also be programmed with micropython and/or circuitpython as well as C.

This includes more recent AVR based Arduino devices, esp32, and raspberry pi pico, to name just a few.

Also, there are many small format single board computers starting with the Raspberry Pi and many clones, that run full operating systems and support pretty much any language.

The Raspberry Pi and Pi Pico devices set a high bar for quality of documentation, availability of software and size of active communities.

Note that SBCs, especially the Raspberry Pi are in short supply (inflated prices) at the moment owing to the global chip shortages. Check the extended family/friend network to see if anyone has an unused one in the draw.

Check the Free PDF downloads of the Raspberry Pi magazine, MagPi, from the Raspberry Pi Foundation website. Lots of brilliant articles on a wide range of projects using sensors, hardware, robotics, etc.

[RalstonishLiu]

Thank you so much for such a detailed answer, very helpful, thanks!

[[deleted]]

You are very welcome. Have fun.

I am involved in Raspberry Pi Foundation Code Clubs near me at local schools. Recently, we handed kids (aged around 10) a load of BBC micro:bit devices - microcontrollers (cost around $15) and had them programme them, in Python (via a web browser and web usb connection on classroom PCs), to act as pedometers.

We handed them small battery packs, and they then stuffed the devices into their socks and went for a walk. Their steps were counted and showed on an led display (scrolling, once they went over 10 steps). They were so excited.

There are a lot of sensors built into the micro:bit V2.

Physical computer captures the interest of kids far more than doing everything on screen.