Using a Raspberry Pi to learn programming?

[Satex]

I honestly don't have much in mind as far as what languages I want to learn other than wanting to be able to understand some basic programming languages, possibly develop simple apps, nerd out (this is a positive for those who are thinking this might be a diss), and put it on my resume.

I struggle to understand your objective without a bit more background on what you do. "Apps" as they are called are mainly consumer grade software. A language like Python is mode for server back end magic, and engineering R&D. If you want to get into consumer apps, python is the wrong way to go. You should look into the Android development environment.

Personally, I frown upon weakly/duck typed languages as a first language. Python is duck typed, and will get you in trouble with other software environments.

[pepsi2451]

Like others have said you really don't need a pi to learn. I started to learn basic programming on an arduino and it was a lot of fun. I eventually started designing my own projects then building them on custom PCBs. I built a few simple projects but eventually I wanted something with more power so I bought a pi and it sat in its box for a long time since I didn't know how to write code for it.

Finally I decided to learn python so I did the python section on codecademy.com. I would recommend starting there for the basics. After that I found an online course from Rice University on Coursera called "An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python." The course was great, they teach you Python by writing simple video games. You start off with really simple stuff like number guessing games, then stuff like blackjack then at the end you make an asteroids clone. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they have any more sessions planned right now but I would definitely recommend that class when it becomes available again. https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython

The Coursera class used an online python interpreter at codeskulptor.org. I would recommend checking it out. It doesn't offer everything that "real" python does but you can do a lot and you can run it on any computer without installing anything and it will provide instant feedback. Check out the "demos" button to see what kind of stuff can be done with it.

I finally got my pi back out recently and got a camera module for it. The camera module allows it to record 1080p video at 30fps. I have started working on code to use it as a security camera. I plan to mount the whole thing in one of those fake security cameras and have it stream video and record on motion.

The fact the pi is small, draws very little power, and has a bunch of GPIO pins makes it great for a lot of things but you can learn to program without it.

[vliberatore]

I struggle to understand your objective without a bit more background on what you do. "Apps" as they are called are mainly consumer grade software. A language like Python is mode for server back end magic, and engineering R&D. If you want to get into consumer apps, python is the wrong way to go. You should look into the Android development environment.

Personally, I frown upon weakly/duck typed languages as a first language. Python is duck typed, and will get you in trouble with other software environments.

The main reason I was naming Python is because I was told that it is a good place to learn.

I am taking what you've said into consideration and am trying to come up with some projects before spending money on something that I have no plan on using.

Thank you (and others), I really appreciate your feedback.

[the86d]

Would compiling take a LONG time on such a minimal processor-type?

[Satex]

No, compiling doesn't take much time for learning exercises.