Preface to the Fourth Edition
Launched in 2011, the Raspberry Pi has found a role both as a very low-cost Linux-based computer and as a platform for embedded computing. It has proven popular with educators and hobbyists alike.
As of this writing, more than 40 million Raspberry Pis have been sold. The Raspberry Pi 4 with an option of 8 GB of memory makes the Raspberry Pi more than powerful enough to use as a replacement for a desktop computer, and the Pi 400 with its built-in keyboard makes a very capable replacement for a desktop computer.
The availability of open source Linux software for internet browsing, email, office suites, and photo editing is set to make the Raspberry Pi even more popular.
Even the latest Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 400 still includes the general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins that allow the hobbyist to add their own electronic contraptions to the Raspberry Pi.
This edition has been thoroughly updated to encompass the new models of Raspberry Pi, as well as the many changes and improvements to its Raspberry Pi OS. In particular you will find new chapters on:
- Machine Learning
- Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W
This book is designed so that you can read it linearly, as you would a regular book, or access recipes at random. You can search the table of contents or index for the recipe that you want and then jump directly to it. If the recipe requires you to know about other things, it will refer you to other recipes, rather like a cookbook might refer you to base sauces ...