Arduino vs Raspberry Pi vs Microbit

What is Arduino?

Who Invented Arduino?

What’s Raspberry Pi?

What’s Microbit?

When was Microbit Created?

How Arduino Works?

• Programming: The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is used to write your code.
• Uploading Code: The Arduino board is instantly updated with the code.
• Input and Output Devices: Connect input devices, such as buttons and sensors, and output devices, such as LEDs and motors.
• Execution: Until it is switched off, the Arduino board executes the uploaded code each time it turns on.

How Arduino is Programmed?

1. Writing Code:
   • Using the Arduino programming language, you design your own Arduino sketches or programs.
   • The language is designed especially for Arduino development and is based on C++.
   • To specify the behavior of your Arduino board, such as receiving inputs (like sensor data) and managing outputs (like LEDs, and motors), you write code.
2. Arduino Software (IDE):
   • A desktop program called the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is connected to the Arduino board.
   • It functions on Linux, Windows, and Mac.
   • It is available for download on the official Arduino website.
3. Creating a Sketch:
   • You open the IDE and select File > New to start a new drawing.
   • You write your code in the text editor, which is saved with the file extension .ino.
4. Uploading Code:
   • Utilize USB to connect your Arduino board to your PC.
   • In the IDE, go to Tools > Board and Tools > Port and choose the appropriate board type and port.
   • To upload your code to the Arduino board, click the Upload button.
   • The uploaded code is run by the board's microcontroller.
5. Debugging and Iterating:
   • The IDE gives you helpful notifications if there are mistakes in your code.
   • Until your sketch performs as intended, you can refine, iterate, and improve it.
6. Libraries and Examples:
   • For usage in your projects, the Arduino community has produced a large number of libraries (pre-written code).
   • You can study and experiment with various functionalities by using the built-in examples in the IDE.
7. Hardware Interaction:
   • The hardware (actuators, sensors, etc.) attached to the board communicates with your Arduino sketch.
   • This allows you to move servos, read sensor values, and control LEDs.

How Raspberry Pi Works?

1. Turn on the Raspberry Pi: The bootloader software on the SD card is run by the CPU as soon as the device is powered on.
2. Operating System Load: After that, the operating system is loaded into the RAM by the bootloader from the SD card.
3. Desktop Interface: The operating system presents a desktop setting from which you may run programs, handle files, and configure the Raspberry Pi.
4. Connecting Peripherals: To connect a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other devices, utilize USB ports and HDMI.
5. Programming and Interaction: You may write code to control the Raspberry Pi's I/O pins, interact with sensors and actuators, build projects, and even develop games and applications using your preferred programming language and libraries.

How to Control Raspberry Pi Remotely?

• You can use SSH to remotely access the command line interface of the Raspberry Pi.
• Connect to your Raspberry Pi using its IP address using an SSH client (such as PuTTY on Windows or the terminal on macOS/Linux).
• From a distance, you can control your Pi, change files, and run commands.

• For remote access, VNC offers a graphical user interface.
• Set up a VNC server on your Raspberry Pi (such as TightVNC or RealVNC).
• To establish a remote desktop connection with the Raspberry Pi, use a VNC viewer on your PC or mobile device.

• Install TeamViewer on the PC you wish to use to control your Raspberry Pi as well as on the Raspberry Pi itself.
• To create a remote connection and operate the Pi's desktop, use TeamViewer.

• Put the RaspController app on your mobile device.
• Use mobile data or Wi-Fi to connect to your Raspberry Pi.
• You can monitor CPU utilization, control GPIO pins, and more.

• To enable external access to your Raspberry Pi, configure port forwarding on your network.
• Make use of online services like SSH, VNC, and others.

How Microbit Works?

1. Write and Upload Code: Using the user-friendly editor, create the code that will tell the Microbit what to do. Next, use the USB connection to transfer it to the microbit's memory.
2. Code Execution: After reading your code, the microcontroller begins running it line by line.
3. Sensing the World: The sensors collect motion, orientation, and light-level data about the surroundings.
4. Decision Making: The microbit decides what to do and how to do it based on your code and the data from the sensors.
5. Output Actions: You can interact with other devices through the Bluetooth connection, the LED display displays animations, and the buttons react to your touch.

Arduino vs Raspberry Pi vs Microbit

• Open-source: By supporting open-source hardware and software, all three platforms help to create a thriving developer and creative ecosystem.
• Educational Focus: Their user-friendly interfaces, tutorials designed for beginners, and variety of project ideas facilitate learning.
• DIY Spirit: At their foundation, tinkering and experimentation promote practical discovery and imaginative problem-solving.

• Complexity: Arduino is on the simpler end, making it ideal for simple LED output and sensor input. Raspberry Pi opens possibilities to complex tasks by requiring a deeper understanding of software and operating systems. Microbit fills the gap by providing drag-and-drop coding that is easy for beginners to use and text-based programming as their skills advance.
• Processing Power: Arduino is a microcontroller that emphasizes hands-on experiences. The Raspberry Pi is a complete computer that can run complex operating systems and programs. Offering more computing power than Arduino but less than Raspberry Pi, Microbit is in the middle.
• Connectivity: Sensors and basic peripherals are the main devices that Arduino connects to. With its Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB interfaces, Raspberry Pi can connect to a variety of devices, access the internet, and operate remotely. Microbit provides limited internet connectivity through add-ons and Bluetooth for wireless communication.

Where Arduino is Used?

• Prototyping and tinkering: Students and amateurs can experiment with electronics and programming on an inexpensive and easily accessible platform with Arduino, which encourages creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• STEM education: Arduino easily fits into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curricula, giving students a hands-on, engaging experience with abstract ideas like circuits, sensors, and coding.
• Robotics and automation: Arduino is essential to the construction of basic robots, such as line-following machines and robotic arms, which teach students the principles of robotics.

• Interactive art installations: Arduino is perfect for combining technology and creativity in interactive art installations because of its environmental sensing and reaction capabilities.
• Music and sound creation: Arduino may be used to control speakers, LEDs, and other parts to produce sound effects, music, and even musical instruments.
• Interactive games and toys: Arduino may be used to create light-up games, motion-activated toys, and even basic arcade machines.

• Home automation: Using Arduino, you may create a smart home environment with remote control and automated routines for your lights, appliances, and other gadgets.
• Environmental monitoring: Arduino can be used to construct air quality sensors, weather stations, and other systems that monitor the environment. These systems can provide insightful data.
• Agriculture and farming: Arduino is capable of controlling equipment in greenhouses and farms, automating irrigation systems, and monitoring soil temperature and moisture.

Where Raspberry Pi is Used?

• Stream movies and TV shows: Make your Raspberry Pi a dedicated media center by adding Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, and other services to your living room's streaming library.
• Listen to music: For a better audio experience, connect it to a speaker system or use its audio port to play your favorite songs.
• Video games and emulation: Play open-source games or take advantage of emulators to play new independent titles or vintage retro games.

• Programming: Python and Scratch are two very accessible and approachable programming languages. The Raspberry Pi is an excellent tool for learning these languages.
• Robotics and automation: Utilizing sensors, electronics, and code, create automated projects such as drones and robots.
• STEM education: Make STEM concepts tangible and interactive by introducing students to electronics, coding, and problem-solving entertainingly and engagingly.

• Control lights and appliances: Using linked relays and software, you may automate your home's lighting, fans, thermostats, and other fixtures.
• Security and monitoring: Create your security system using a Raspberry Pi to operate motion sensors, cameras, and alarms.
• Home Assistant: Build an open-source voice-activated smart home assistant with personalized features, such as Google Home or Amazon Echo.

Where Microbit is Used?

• Interactive Games and Toys: With the Microbit, you may make amusing, light-up games, motion-controlled toys, or interactive tests that encourage creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• Animations and Light Shows: Let your imagination and artistic expression run wild by using the LED display to make animations, text messages, or even simple light displays.
• Music & Sound Design: Utilizing the Microbit's audio capabilities, control LEDs, speakers, and other parts to produce music, sound effects, or even basic instruments.

• Fitness Trackers and Wearables: Utilize technology in daily life by creating your own wearable or fitness tracker that tracks sleep patterns, measures heart rate, or counts steps.
• Environmental Monitoring: Using the Microbit's sensors, build weather stations, air quality monitors, or water quality monitors to spread awareness of environmental issues.
• Assistive Technologies: Make use of the versatility of the Microbit to create basic tools that help persons with disabilities, such as accessibility switches, communication aids, and reminder devices.

• Prototyping and Testing: Make use of the Microbit's affordability and user-friendliness to quickly prototype concepts and test features before transferring to larger systems.
• Sensor Data Collection and Analysis: Utilize the Microbit's sensors to gather environmental data, like as temperature, light intensity, or sound level, and then analyze it for scientific purposes.
• Citizen Science and Community Projects: Make use of the Microbit's portability and accessibility to include communities in citizen science initiatives such as tracking wildlife or monitoring air quality.

Conclusion