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Raspberry Pi User Guide
Make the most out of the world’s first truly compact computer It's the size of a credit card, it can be charged like a smartphone, it runs on open-source Linux, and it holds the promise of bringing programming and playing to millions at low cost. And now you can learn how to use this amazing computer from its co-creator, Eben Upton, in Raspberry Pi User Guide . Cowritten with Gareth Halfacree, this guide gets you up and running on Raspberry Pi, whether you're an educator, hacker, hobbyist, or kid. Learn how to connect your Pi to other hardware, install software, write basic programs, and set it up to run robots, multimedia centers, and more. Adults, kids, and devoted hardware hackers, now that you've got a Raspberry Pi, get the very most out of it with Raspberry Pi User Guide .
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
130 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 8, 2012
I pre-ordered this as soon as it was announced; in dead tree format, no less, as I was expecting to refer to it at a workbench. I ordered it partly because I thought it would be a useful get up to speed on the Pi I'd bought, but also because I wanted to put some cash the way of Upton, as he's one of the leading lights behind the Raspberry Pi foundation, even if it had been mostly 'ghostwritten' by Halfacre.
If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting it to be much; a few desultory articles on plugging things together, and a short guide to Python. It turns out that its actually a really great guide that I have and will recommend to anyone with, or planning to get, a Pi!
The authors have made a decent spread of topics of things you might want to know and do with your device. As I read through it I thought how much it would have motivated me in my CDT course at school, having one of these. Heck, I even wondered why we didn't prototype in the electronics component of the course - was breadboard around in the 80's? Must have been, right? Anyway, its kicked my hardware hacking interest up a notch, even with my interest in Arduino (and thanks to the book I know understand why the Pi might be good some projects, and the Arduino others), so I will be shopping for breadboard and the like this weekend to start my project!
If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting it to be much; a few desultory articles on plugging things together, and a short guide to Python. It turns out that its actually a really great guide that I have and will recommend to anyone with, or planning to get, a Pi!
The authors have made a decent spread of topics of things you might want to know and do with your device. As I read through it I thought how much it would have motivated me in my CDT course at school, having one of these. Heck, I even wondered why we didn't prototype in the electronics component of the course - was breadboard around in the 80's? Must have been, right? Anyway, its kicked my hardware hacking interest up a notch, even with my interest in Arduino (and thanks to the book I know understand why the Pi might be good some projects, and the Arduino others), so I will be shopping for breadboard and the like this weekend to start my project!
March 22, 2016
The 2012 edition, which is what I had on hand, is getting dated. I see that a revised edition has been released, though.
The material covered here is important, and particularly where it discusses the differences between the Raspberry Pi processor and its configuration versus the usual desktop Linux system. The 2012 edition is specific to the original Raspberry Pi, though, and does not contain details necessary for the newer models such as the Pi Zero, the model 2 B+, or the model 3 B.
The writing is generally clear, though the author sometimes digresses into higher levels of detail without enough warning, and inexperienced users may find this confusing. It might be better to have such segments clearly delineated as "advanced users" or placed in an appendix where they are not essential to getting the device set up and running.
Later chapters on software applications and programming tools are still relevant for all models.
The material covered here is important, and particularly where it discusses the differences between the Raspberry Pi processor and its configuration versus the usual desktop Linux system. The 2012 edition is specific to the original Raspberry Pi, though, and does not contain details necessary for the newer models such as the Pi Zero, the model 2 B+, or the model 3 B.
The writing is generally clear, though the author sometimes digresses into higher levels of detail without enough warning, and inexperienced users may find this confusing. It might be better to have such segments clearly delineated as "advanced users" or placed in an appendix where they are not essential to getting the device set up and running.
Later chapters on software applications and programming tools are still relevant for all models.
March 4, 2013
Very good introduction to the Raspberry Pi single board computer. I purchased the book because I was just introduced to the Pi and I wanted to get quick start. I found the book easy to read and, following the instructions, I was able to get my Pi and running on my network in record time. The Pi is a game changer and this book will help you jump on board.
October 21, 2012
Good book, lots of great info if you just getting into Linux and the PI. I would have liked to see more on GPIO but I'm sure I'll find plenty on-line.
July 16, 2018
The Raspberry Pi is a remarkable device; a small credit card-sized circuit board that can be a fully functional computer. When it was first released, it proved to be an instant success, with manufacturers unable to keep up with demand from those that were intrigued by the possibilities of the small machine.
The Pi was initially developed with the intention of encouraging younger people to learn about the potential of computer programming; and it proved to be highly effective, as it was so easy for even the youngest or most inexperienced to experiment and create useful programs. This user guide was written by the creator of the Pi, and this version has been updated to include details of the later models.
The book is structured in a way to allow novices to get to grips with basic tasks to quickly get the minicomputer up and running. However, it also provides details on adding other components, to allow the learner to more fully explore to power of the Raspberry Pi, and to develop fully functioning systems to perform work. The illustrations are easy to follow and they provide a comprehensive guide to the various steps required.
The authors offer troubleshooting guidance for when things don’t quite go to plan in the earlier phase; and this would be of considerable value to those that are patient enough to follow the required stages, and could be considered a useful part of the learning process.
The book also provides sufficient introduction to the Linux Operating System and administration to allow a significant number of projects to be undertaken; although it is not intended to be a totally comprehensive guide. It offers suggestions on downloading and installing key open source software to perform many tasks to show the versatility of the PI, as well as some simple programming tasks to maintain the user’s interest for many hours.
I suspect that due to the size of the book, some of the younger people involved in the process might not be too keen to fully absorb the information contained, preferring to experiment on their own. However, it could provide an authoritative resource, of considerable significance to parents or teachers.
I consider this to be an excellent book, definitely worth purchasing before getting your own Raspberry Pi; and it’s one that will help you to learn more about its potential.
Review by A P Sutcliffe MSc CCI, MBCS
Originally published: https://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc...
The Pi was initially developed with the intention of encouraging younger people to learn about the potential of computer programming; and it proved to be highly effective, as it was so easy for even the youngest or most inexperienced to experiment and create useful programs. This user guide was written by the creator of the Pi, and this version has been updated to include details of the later models.
The book is structured in a way to allow novices to get to grips with basic tasks to quickly get the minicomputer up and running. However, it also provides details on adding other components, to allow the learner to more fully explore to power of the Raspberry Pi, and to develop fully functioning systems to perform work. The illustrations are easy to follow and they provide a comprehensive guide to the various steps required.
The authors offer troubleshooting guidance for when things don’t quite go to plan in the earlier phase; and this would be of considerable value to those that are patient enough to follow the required stages, and could be considered a useful part of the learning process.
The book also provides sufficient introduction to the Linux Operating System and administration to allow a significant number of projects to be undertaken; although it is not intended to be a totally comprehensive guide. It offers suggestions on downloading and installing key open source software to perform many tasks to show the versatility of the PI, as well as some simple programming tasks to maintain the user’s interest for many hours.
I suspect that due to the size of the book, some of the younger people involved in the process might not be too keen to fully absorb the information contained, preferring to experiment on their own. However, it could provide an authoritative resource, of considerable significance to parents or teachers.
I consider this to be an excellent book, definitely worth purchasing before getting your own Raspberry Pi; and it’s one that will help you to learn more about its potential.
Review by A P Sutcliffe MSc CCI, MBCS
Originally published: https://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc...
November 3, 2018
A good sampler of what you can do with the Pi, but somewhat haphazard in what it covers. Also some of the Python code is not functional, either due to errors or updates. The fixes are pretty simple, but that doesn't matter if you don't know the basics of Python.
Even still, good for getting you acquainted with what the Pi can do.
Even still, good for getting you acquainted with what the Pi can do.
August 13, 2025
This review is for the 4th edition, which is what the library has. The 4th edition is from 2016. The material is good but very dated. It stops at the Raspberry Pi3 and does not cover the Pi4 or Pi5 which have very different interfaces and features.
If you are starting out make sure that your reference books are fairly recent.
If you are starting out make sure that your reference books are fairly recent.
November 5, 2017
Good overview to start.
January 26, 2021
A good general desk reference for Pi setup and troubleshooting. A tad dated.
September 13, 2022
What Type of Pie
An excellent book on the Raspberry Pi!
I learned a lot of the ins-and-outs of the Raspberry Pi.
I got a lot of ideas from it.
4.3/5
An excellent book on the Raspberry Pi!
I learned a lot of the ins-and-outs of the Raspberry Pi.
I got a lot of ideas from it.
4.3/5
January 22, 2015
Great book for the ultimate beginner, but I found just from poking around online and reading about things that were freely available I already possessed most of the knowledge from the first half of the book. The 2nd half of the book is just a bunch of step by step projects that you can complete as well as tutorials on the basics of soldering breadboards breakouts and other components. Regardless very will written and a great resource to have on hand for anyone interested in Raspberry Pi development.
February 1, 2017
A very complete book.
It really good book it's explain in a manner in the more simple way for some one like me that's is trying to get into this wonderful and ample world. I think touch every aspect and basic part of the pi. It give very amply or better idea in what is the pi and what you can do. ...
It really good book it's explain in a manner in the more simple way for some one like me that's is trying to get into this wonderful and ample world. I think touch every aspect and basic part of the pi. It give very amply or better idea in what is the pi and what you can do. ...
April 29, 2013
Great introduction to the Raspberry Pi. Hoping it will be useful to my boys and will encourage them to play with the board.
March 25, 2013
Good intro book but it lacks of the more "advanced stuff" to get you really started but this is probably a totally different book.
May 18, 2013
One of the best written computer books I have read in a long time. Highly recommended!
June 30, 2013
Really the best book for anyone who just starts exploring the interesting world of Raspberry Pi. Also very useful chapters about first steps in Linux and Python.
July 2, 2013
Not a bad book, but I would have liked a some of the key info summarised in tables at either the beginning or end of the book for quick reference.
March 15, 2014
Introduction to raspberry pi. Includes Linux, network configuration, configuration tool, ..., scratch, python, ..., GPIO, camera, ...
August 8, 2014
Very well written, straight forward and open minded towards higher level of solution. More example on how to use the Rpi would have been welcomed.
February 23, 2016
Great Info -- Too Short
The information provided is very helpful and quite detailed as far as it went--there just didn't seem to be much depth in any one section.
The information provided is very helpful and quite detailed as far as it went--there just didn't seem to be much depth in any one section.
April 26, 2016
Good introductory book, but it needs to be updated to include the latest Raspberry Pi release (Release 3).
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November 10, 2012this is a good book for embeded system
July 29, 2014
Great introduction to world of Raspberry Pi legend.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews