What's the difference? Arduino vs Raspberry Pi

Summary

This educational video compares Arduino and Raspberry Pi, two popular devices in the tinkering community. Arduino, with its microcontroller, is ideal for simple electronic component control, suitable for robotics and requiring minimal power. Raspberry Pi, on the other hand, features a microprocessor and functions as a full computer, running Linux and offering more complexity and power needs. The choice between them depends on the project's requirements, with Arduino recommended for beginners and Raspberry Pi for more advanced, computer-integrated projects.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Arduino is a microcontroller platform designed for controlling electronic components, perfect for building robots.
• 🔋 Arduinos are self-contained and often powered by 9-volt batteries, with a microcontroller at their core.
• 🛠 Arduinos come in various shapes and sizes with the option to attach 'shields' for easy addition of components like Bluetooth and LCDs.
• 💻 Raspberry Pi, unlike Arduino, is a microprocessor-based single-board computer that requires additional chips for full functionality.
• 🖥️ Raspberry Pi runs on Linux and has built-in USB, graphics, wireless, Bluetooth, and audio capabilities, making it a complete computer.
• 🔌 Both Arduino and Raspberry Pi have general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins for controlling electronic components.
• 📝 Arduino uses a programming language similar to C/C++, while Raspberry Pi primarily uses Python for programming its GPIO pins.
• 👨‍🏫 Arduino is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and focus on electronics, whereas Raspberry Pi adds an operating system and software layer.
• 🛠️ Raspberry Pi is suitable for projects that require computer elements, such as adding a webcam or USB storage to a robotics project.
• 🔄 The choice between Arduino and Raspberry Pi depends on the project's requirements; Arduino for pure electronics, Raspberry Pi for computer-integrated projects.
• 🚀 For beginners, starting with Arduino is advised before moving on to Raspberry Pi to handle more complex projects involving an operating system.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of an Arduino?

The main purpose of an Arduino is to control electronic components. It can be used to add motors, lights, sensors, and even wireless and Bluetooth modules, making it ideal for building robots.

What is the core component of an Arduino?

The core component of an Arduino is a microcontroller, which is a chip that can store, run, and execute programs within itself and operates on low power.

What are the advantages of using Arduino for a project?

Arduinos are advantageous for projects due to their simplicity, low power requirements, and the ability to be programmed as standalone devices after the code is uploaded.

How does the Raspberry Pi differ from an Arduino in terms of functionality?

The Raspberry Pi differs from an Arduino by being a complete computer with a microprocessor that requires separate chips for storage, execution, and other functions. It runs the Linux operating system and can be used like any other computer.

What is the primary programming language for Raspberry Pi?

The primary programming language for Raspberry Pi is Python, which is used for programming the GPIO pins and other components.

What are 'shields' in the context of Arduino?

Shields are pre-made peripherals that can be easily attached on top of an Arduino to add functionalities such as Bluetooth, cellular, Ethernet, motor controls, and LCDs.

What are 'hats' in the context of Raspberry Pi?

Hats are add-on boards for Raspberry Pi that sit on top of the GPIO pins, allowing for the easy addition of pre-made components to the device.

Why might someone choose a Raspberry Pi over an Arduino for a project?

One might choose a Raspberry Pi over an Arduino if the project requires elements of a computer, such as adding a webcam, USB storage, or making it a webserver.

What is the recommendation for a beginner who is just starting to tinker?

For beginners, it is recommended to start with an Arduino due to its simplicity and ease of use. Once comfortable with Arduino, one can move on to Raspberry Pi to explore the added complexity of an operating system and software.

What is the significance of the domain name 'northernlight.com' mentioned in the script?

The script mentions 'northernlight.com' as a trivia fact, stating it was the very first domain name ever registered, which occurred on March 15, 1985.

How can one submit a guide idea for the channel?

To submit a guide idea, one can visit tinkernut.com/ideas and share their idea for a potential guide.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Arduino vs. Raspberry Pi: Choosing the Right Tool

This paragraph introduces the debate between Arduino and Raspberry Pi, two popular devices among tech enthusiasts. It outlines the fundamental differences between the two, likening the comparison to that of a calculator versus a laptop. Arduino is described as a microcontroller, ideal for controlling electronic components and is self-contained, requiring minimal power. The paragraph explains that Arduino is perfect for projects like building robots, with its microcontroller at its core, and can be expanded with shields for additional functionalities. It also touches on the programming aspect, mentioning that while the primary programming language is similar to C++, there are third-party options available.

05:00

🖥️ Raspberry Pi: A Full Computer in a Single Board

The second paragraph delves into the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi, contrasting it with the Arduino. Unlike the microcontroller of the Arduino, the Raspberry Pi features a microprocessor and operates more like a full computer, requiring additional chips for storage, execution, and other functions. It has built-in USB ports, graphics, wireless, Bluetooth, and audio capabilities, and runs on the Linux operating system. The paragraph also discusses the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins, which, similar to Arduino, can be used to control electronic components but with the added advantage of being programmable directly from the Pi itself using Python. The summary also provides guidance on choosing between the two devices based on the nature of the project, recommending Arduino for beginners and simpler projects, and Raspberry Pi for more complex tasks that require computer-like functionalities.

Keywords

💡Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It is designed for building projects that involve controlling electronic components such as motors, lights, and sensors. The script describes it as a microcontroller that is self-contained and requires programming via a computer before it can operate independently. The Arduino is ideal for projects focused on robotics and simple electronics control.

💡Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers that can run a full operating system like Linux. It is more complex than an Arduino and requires more power. The script mentions that it has a microprocessor and additional chips for functions like USB, graphics, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. Raspberry Pi is suitable for projects that need the capabilities of a full computer, including running software applications and handling multimedia.

💡Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer contained within a single integrated circuit. It is designed to govern specific operations in systems like embedded systems or simple robots. In the script, the Arduino is described as having a microcontroller at its core, which allows it to execute programs and control electronic components without the need for additional components.

💡Microprocessor

A microprocessor is the central processing unit of a computer, handling all the arithmetic and logical operations of the system. The script contrasts the microcontroller of the Arduino with the microprocessor of the Raspberry Pi, which requires additional components to function, making it more akin to a full computer than a simple controller.

💡GPIO Pins

GPIO stands for General Purpose Input Output. These are pins on the Raspberry Pi that can be programmed to interact with external electronic devices. The script explains that the Raspberry Pi has GPIO pins similar to the Arduino, allowing users to control electronic components, but with the added capability of direct programming due to its computer nature.

💡Programming

Programming is the process of writing code to provide instructions to a computer or microcontroller. The script discusses the programming of both the Arduino and Raspberry Pi, mentioning that the Arduino primarily uses a language similar to C++, while the Raspberry Pi primarily uses Python for programming its GPIO pins.

💡Shields

In the context of Arduino, shields are add-on boards that connect to the main board to provide additional functionality, such as Bluetooth or motor controls. The script mentions that shields make it easy to add pre-made peripherals to an Arduino project.

💡Hats

Hats, in the context of Raspberry Pi, are similar to Arduino shields but are designed for the Pi's GPIO pins. They provide an easy way to add components to a Raspberry Pi project. The script indicates that hats can be used to expand the capabilities of a Raspberry Pi, just as shields do for an Arduino.

💡Linux

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is widely used in various applications, including single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. The script notes that the Raspberry Pi runs Linux, which allows it to perform tasks typical of a computer, such as running software applications and accessing the internet.

💡Tinkering

Tinkering refers to the activity of experimenting with and making simple modifications to devices or systems, often for the purpose of learning or creating something new. The script positions both the Arduino and Raspberry Pi as popular platforms for tinkering within the maker community.

💡Project Size

Project size refers to the scale or complexity of a project. The script mentions that Arduino comes in different shapes and sizes, suitable for various project sizes, while Raspberry Pi offers different models to fit different project requirements.

Highlights

Introduction to the debate between Arduino and Raspberry Pi, comparing their uses and suitability for different projects.

Reasons for comparing Arduino and Raspberry Pi: similar size, ability to control electronic components, and popularity in the tinkering community.

Arduino is ideal for controlling electronic components, with capabilities to add motors, lights, sensors, and wireless modules.

Arduino's core is a microcontroller, a self-contained chip that can store, run, and execute programs with low power requirements.

Arduino's versatility with different shapes and sizes, and the use of shields for easy attachment of peripherals.

Programming Arduino requires connecting to a computer, then the microcontroller can operate as a standalone device.

Arduino programming language similarities to C-sharp, with third-party options for Python or Blockly.

Raspberry Pi's distinction as a microprocessor-based system requiring additional chips for full functionality, akin to a computer motherboard.

Raspberry Pi's comprehensive features including USB, graphics, wireless, Bluetooth, audio, and the Linux operating system.

Higher power requirements and complexity of Raspberry Pi compared to Arduino due to its computer-like components and software.

General purpose input output (GPIO) pins on Raspberry Pi allow for controlling electronic components directly from the device.

Python as the primary programming language for Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins, with options for other popular languages.

Raspberry Pi's 'hats' as an alternative to Arduino's shields, offering easy addition of pre-made components.

Three different sizes of Raspberry Pi available to fit various project requirements.

Practical advice on choosing between Arduino and Raspberry Pi based on the specific needs of the project.

Recommendation for beginners to start with Arduino due to its simplicity and then progress to Raspberry Pi for added complexity.

Final thoughts on the unique applications of both Arduino and Raspberry Pi, emphasizing their distinct roles in project development.

Invitation for viewers to suggest topics and engage with the community through tinkernut.com.

Historical trivia: the first domain name ever registered was 'nwmil.com' on March 15, 1985.

Transcripts

[Music]

Hey here to learn something new well to

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consumption in the history of nerd

debates you have classics like Windows

vs. Mac Edison vs. Tesla AMD vs. Intel

and now our dueño vs. Raspberry Pi which

one is superior which one should you get

let's find out why is it that these two

frenemies are always being compared to

one another probably because they're

about the same size you can control

electronic components with them and

they're both very popular amongst the

tinkering community but they couldn't be

more different it's like comparing a

calculator to a laptop here's why let's

look at the Arduino this is the device

you want if all you want to do is

control electronic components and

nothing else you can add motors light

sensors and even wireless and Bluetooth

modules to it making it the perfect

platform for building robots the heart

of the Arduino is this little chip right

here this is known as a microcontroller

microcontrollers are chips that were

created by Texas Instruments the same

people that made it big on developing

calculators so comparing this to a

calculator really isn't that far off

these microcontrollers have basically

everything they need to store run and

execute programs right within the chip

itself and they don't require much power

to run you'll often see them powered by

9-volt batteries our dueños come in all

different shapes and sizes so no matter

what size project you have there's most

likely an Arduino out there for it they

also have options for easily attaching

pre-made peripherals called shields

these sit on top of the Arduino like so

and you can use them to easily add

Bluetooth cellular Ethernet motor

controls LCDs and tons of other

components even though microcontrollers

are mostly self-contained you still have

to connect it to a computer in order to

program it

but once you've uploaded your code to

the microcontroller

could then disconnect it from the

computer and let it run as a standalone

device the code it uses a similar to the

c-sharp programming language but there

are a few third-party options out there

for programming it using Python or

blockly but this arduino software that

it's running is the primary way to

program the microcontroller alright

raspberry pi come on down it's your time

in the hot seat okay unlike the Arduino

and it's do-it-all microcontroller the

Raspberry Pi sports a microprocessor

which requires assistance from separate

chips to be able to store run and

execute code so if you're familiar with

the motherboard of the computer the

microprocessor is the processor the

heart of the computer and then you have

the RAM your graphics controller

Ethernet controller and your hard drive

and all these other separate components

that are required for the computer to

run so if you shrink all that down to a

single board you've got yourself a

Raspberry Pi so being an entire computer

itself you can see why it's difficult to

compare it to an Arduino the PI has

built-in USB graphics wireless Bluetooth

and audio and it runs the Linux

operating system so you can literally

use it like you use any other computer

but because of that it also requires

more power than the Arduino to run and

the added layers of chips and software

not only make it a lot more complex than

the Arduino but also make it more

complex to operate so why then does it

get compared so much to the Arduino it's

because of these these are known as

general purpose input output pins and

like the Arduino they can be used to

control other electronic components

while they aren't as extensive as the

pins enlarge we know they can still be

used to do a lot of the same things like

controlling lights motors sensors and

LCDs to program these GPIO pins instead

of connecting it to a separate computer

like you would have to do with an

Arduino you can program them directly

from the PI since it is itself a

computer Python is the primary

programming language for programming

these pins but then you can also use

some of the more popular

that are out there similar to the

Arduino shields the PI's have something

called hats that sit on top of the GPIO

pins and allow you to easily add

pre-made components PI's have three

different sizes to choose from as well

so that you can get the right one that

fits your project size enough with the

details already just tell me which one I

should buy well since they're completely

different tools it depends on what type

of project you're doing you wouldn't

want to buy an entire computer just to

solve a math problem and you wouldn't

want to buy a calculator to watch

youtube videos if all you want to do is

work with sensors and robotics than

buying a Raspberry Pi would be overkill

an hour do we know would be a better

choice for that however if you wanted to

add elements of a computer to your

robotics or sensory projects like adding

a webcam USB storage or making it a

webserver then a Raspberry Pi might be

better look at it this way if you wanted

to build a Bluetooth controlled toy car

and use an Arduino if you wanted to

build a Bluetooth controlled toy car

with a webcam that livestreams to twitch

get a Raspberry Pi here's my

recommendation if you're a beginner just

getting started tinkering I recommend

going with Arduino it's designed for

beginners and it's simple to use once

you're comfortable with that you can

move on to the Raspberry Pi and add that

level of operating system and software

difficulty that's it for this chapter of

the fill'd guide that's one more

tinkering tool to add to your toolbox

want to suggest a guide head on over to

tinkernut.com slash ideas to submit your

idea if you want more tinkering videos

you can click here or please be kind

enough to like subscribe or comment if

you made it this far here's your reward

the very first domain name ever

registered was w WM bollocks comm and it

was registered on March 15 1985