Raspberry Pi enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike find themselves drawn to the remarkable possibilities embedded in this credit-card-sized marvel. Unleashing a world of creativity and innovation, the Raspberry Pi has become synonymous with versatile computing solutions, transforming how we approach projects and interact with technology.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted realm of Raspberry Pi, exploring its origins, diverse applications, and the boundless potential it offers to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you're a coding virtuoso or a curious tinkerer, join us on a journey into the fascinating universe of Raspberry Pi.

What is Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a single-board minicomputer, developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, with the specific aim of teaching and promoting the basics of Computer Science teaching in schools and developing countries.

It is a complete platform equipped with processor, memory, input/output inputs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity which can be further expanded thanks to optional modules that can be purchased ready-made or built yourself.

The success of Raspberry Pi is mainly due to the basic philosophy: a system reduced to the bone but very flexible and versatile, equipped with everything necessary to tackle complex projects, and with a large community dedicated to the development of hardware and software of which Raspberry boards are the protagonists.

According to the foundation, more than 30 million units have been sold worldwide (data updated as of December 2019), thanks also to compatibility with a wide range of operating systems such as Android, FreeBSD, Linux, RISC OS, and Windows 10 ARM64 and IoT Core edition, as well as Raspbian, the default distribution that is most used.

Raspberry Pi: how it works

The operation of this mini-computer is very simple: the hardware consists of a single logic board in which everything is connected and ready to use, and whose configuration varies depending on the version used. The latest iteration is equipped with a quad-core ARM processor, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, a gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI input, two USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports and can have up to 8GB of RAM installed, in the model peak.

It is a real computer with considerable computing capacity, given its cost which is between €20 and €60, and which is suitable for any type of use, both scientific and hobby, devoted above all to programming but which does not disdain the productivity sector and even gaming.

The operating system is loaded onto an SD/microSD type memory which must be inserted into the appropriate slot on the logic card: the subsequent files saved during the active session, with any software, will be saved on the external memory card, in as the Raspberry does not have internal memory.

Precisely because of the enormous versatility of the Raspberry universe, we have decided to dedicate an entire section to the most common uses in which the board is the protagonist of projects, both amateur and otherwise. In addition to sensors and expansion cards, a very important aspect of the Raspberry Universe is the impressive amount of software and operating systems that we can install and use, such as:

• FreeBSD;
• NetBSD;
• OpenBSD;
• Plan 9;
• Windows 10 IoT Core and ARM64;
• Haiku;
• HelenOS;
• Android;
• Arch Linux ARM;
• OpenSUSE;
• Gentoo Linux;
• Lubuntu;
• Xubuntu;
• Devuan;
• CentOS;
• Slackware ARM;
• Kali Linux;
• ArkOS;
• Alpine Linux;
• postmarketOS;
• Void Linux;
• Fedora;
• OpenWrt (for use as a Wi-Fi Router).

All Raspberry Pi models

The first Raspberry Pi model was released in 2012, and since then 15 versions have been released with the latest one approaching, in terms of hardware performance, a low-end laptop PC that we can buy on any online store such as Amazon. Each iteration has improved the onboard hardware, but the design has also evolved to allow you to expand capabilities with additional modules, such as LCD monitors and cameras, plugging directly into the 26-pin or 40-pin I/O input. -pin, in the more advanced models.

What is the difference between versions A and B? In general, the form factor of the B version is the standard one, while that of the A version is more compact, although there are exceptions to the rule, such as the Raspberry Pi A. There is also a third format, the Zero one, which measures as much as a USB stick or a little more and has proven to be one of the most used boards thanks to its extremely small size.

Below you will find technical information relating to most of the Raspberry Pi models on the market:

1. Raspberry 4 model B: the latest version of the board, equipped with 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit Ethernet port, two micro HDMI inputs, analog audio input with 3.5mm jack, camera and SD/MMC support, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, 1 to 8 GB of RAM and Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz.
2. Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+: The A+ revision of the Pi 3 model features a single USB 2.0 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI port, camera and microSD support, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 BLE connectivity, 512MB of RAM and a processor quad-core Broadcom BCM2837B0 clocked at 1.4GHz.
3. Raspberry Pi 3B+: one of the best-selling models, equipped with four USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity via USB, HDMI port, 3.5mm audio jack, camera and microSD support, Broadcom BCM2837B0 quad-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz and 1GB of RAM.
4. Raspberry Pi 3: equipped with four USB 2.0 ports + one micro USB OTG input, 10/100M Ethernet connectivity, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 LE, mini HDMI input, camera connector (only in the latest version), and microSD support, 1 GB of RAM and Broadcom BCM2837 quad-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz.
5. Raspberry Pi 2: four USB ports + one OTG on board, 10/100 MB Ethernet connectivity, 3.5mm audio jack, camera and microSD support, 1GB of RAM, and Broadcom BCM2836 quad-core processor clocked at 900MHz.
6. Raspberry Pi B: two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet connectivity, 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI input, SD card support, 512MB of RAM and Broadcom BCM2835 single-core processor clocked at 700MHz.
7. Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero W, and Zero WH: the three revisions of this computer the size of a USB stick are very similar to each other, but in the Zero W and Zero WH versions Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are added to an already extremely versatile equipped with micro USB OTG input, HDMI mini, micro SD, 512MB of RAM and Broadcom BCM2835 single-core processor clocked at 1GHz.

Each model has its own cost, although the most recent models, such as Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Pi 3 Model B+, are often on offer, sold as bundles by third-party companies: if you are interested in knowing the offers on Amazon click here.

Raspberry Pi vs Arduino

Many users wonder which platform is best suited to their projects, undecided whether to choose Raspberry or Arduino. The difference is that the first is a real computer with an operating system on board, while the second is a microcontroller that can only operate one program at a time.

Users should therefore ask themselves what the purpose of their project is, and above all the degree of complexity required: Arduino boards are excellent when used to perform a single task repetitively, for example controlling the opening of a garage door. However, if you need complex calculations, or need to control a robot capable of a wide range of different actions, then Raspberry could prove to be the winning choice.

So, which is better Arduino or Raspberry? In the communities of enthusiasts there is a simple rule, or rather advice, that is given to newbies regarding the choice of one or the other platform: if the task to be carried out can be described with less than two "e", then you prefer Arduino. If your project requires more than two “e”s to describe, then go with Raspberry.

The most common uses for RaspberryPi

The possible uses for a Raspberry are truly countless, thanks not only to the software flexibility but also to the wide range of sensors and add-ons that can be installed on the logic board, to expand the initial capabilities. Below you will find some of the most common uses for a Raspberry product for amateur projects that anyone can create in a few minutes thanks to the various online tutorials:

• As a Web server: do you want to try to create your site but don't want the complication of online management? You can easily use the board as a web server;
• As a smart home hub: products such as Nest thermostats or platforms such as HomeKit and Google Home do not diminish the use of a flexible microcomputer such as the Pi board for projects in which home automation is managed by this real microcomputer;
• Like Raspberry VPN: many people create a VPN from home or office on their mobile devices, available everywhere, simply using a Pi board and OpenVPN. Some often use it when connected to public Wi-Fi without any encryption, to avoid prying eyes while browsing;
• As a weather station: thanks to the wide range of sensors that can be integrated into a Pi board, you can create a real weather station capable of providing data such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, UV index, monoxide, and dioxide levels nitrogen present in the air;
• As a video game console: retrogaming is one of the most used areas for Pi boards, which with ad-hoc software are transformed into real game rooms or old consoles, with the advantage of being comfortably in your pocket and being transportable anywhere;
• As a Media Center: Are documents, music, films, and TV series always at hand both locally and remotely? With a Raspberry Pi, you can also create your own personal Media Center, with dedicated and easily configurable solutions;
• As a Hotspot/Router: thanks to Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity we can transform the small device into a real router or into a Hotspot capable of sharing the Internet connection;
• As a NAS: technically similar to use as a Media Center, a NAS allows you to access all the contents of the hard disk connected to the Raspberry both locally and remotely.

In conclusion

The Raspberry Pi stands as a testament to the power of accessible, affordable computing. Its impact reaches far beyond its diminutive size, influencing education, DIY projects, and innovative solutions across various industries.

As we reflect on the diverse applications showcased in this article, from home automation to retro gaming and beyond, it becomes clear that the Raspberry Pi has become a catalyst for a new era of creativity and exploration.

The vibrant community surrounding this tiny computer continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring both novices and experts to embark on exciting ventures. Whether you're a student learning the basics of programming or a professional devising a cutting-edge solution, Raspberry Pi's legacy is one of democratized technology and limitless potential. As we look to the future, the Raspberry Pi will certainly remain a driving force in shaping our connected, innovative world.