What are Raspberry Pi and Arduino?

Development tools are kits that combine software and hardware to help users test, prototype and evaluate electronic boards without needing to manufacture a printed circuit board. These kits can include microcontrollers, processors and single-board computers that will connect to programming software for users to code specific functions. 

Depending on the type of tool, you can start to experiment with new electronic computing projects, prototype new ideas, or evaluate established designs. Some of the development kits are suitable for open-source code, meaning you can personalise the board to your needs using source code that is made freely available and can be redistributed. Other development kits are high-powered processors that enable you to perform complex functions, however, the source code is fixed and not freely available to re-distribute. 

Designed to replace a personal computer in a compact, powerful form, Raspberry Pi devices can be used for anything you’d use a desktop for. From the development of IoT (Internet of Things) systems to connecting to your home network and printing off documents or setting up a web server, Raspberry Pi devices are perfect for anyone looking to improve their programming skills or explore their computing creativity. 

Raspberry Pi runs on Linux and can control electronic components, automate systems, and develop programmes in Scratch and Python. However, its closed-sourced nature means you can’t personalise it to the same level as microcontrollers. 

Previously known as Raspbian, Raspberry Pi OS is the operating software used to run these single-board computers. Three levels of this operating system are available, Lite, Desktop, and Desktop and Recommended Software. Each of these systems includes different apps, with Desktop and Recommended Software offering more than 2,000MB worth of capabilities. However, the accessible nature of these computers means you can run other operating systems depending on your needs or preferences. 

Arduino combines a physical circuit board with software to create an open-source platform designed to help users test and develop electronic systems. Specifically designed as a microcontroller for electronics projects, it enables users to create a device that can automate real-world tasks. 

By reading an input and interpreting this into a specific output, Arduino boards can perform a range of automation such as ringing an alarm when an object comes close to a sensor or, with a few additions, powering robots. There are several models of Arduino boards available to suit a range of user requirements, making these microcomputers a great option for anyone just starting in electronic computing. 

The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is the main software used to program Arduino devices. The code used on this software is C++ which can be built into ‘sketch’ files (.ino), minimalist programmes used to run the Arduino hardware. The open-source nature of Arduino IDE also means that additional libraries can be imported into the software to increase the capabilities of the device.