29/07/2024 7:45 am
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Hello fellow tech enthusiasts,
I am totally new to this field of microcontrollers. I saw my friend doing some cool projects using an Arduino board called UNO. This got me interested in buying myself one.
After some research, I have narrowed it down to two popular options: the Raspberry Pi Pico and the Arduino Uno. Both seem great, but I'm not sure which one would be the best fit for a beginner like me. On one hand, UNO has a very active community and is easy to start with. On the other hand, Pico supports both Python and Arduino programming and is more powerful.
I'm particularly interested in hearing from those who have used both platforms. Which one would you recommend for someone just starting out? Any specific pros and cons that might help me make a decision?
Thank you very much.
3 Answers
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06/08/2024 4:46 am
If you are entirely new to microcontrollers and programming, the Arduino Uno might be the better choice due to its simplicity, robust community support, and abundance of beginner-friendly resources. This can help you build confidence and understand the basics of electronics and programming.
On the other hand, if you have some programming experience or are specifically interested in learning MicroPython, the Raspberry Pi Pico offers a more powerful platform with flexible programming options. It can be a bit more challenging to start with but provides more room for growth as you advance in your projects.
The Pico has a faster processor and more memory than the Arduino Uno, making it suitable for more complex projects. However, the Arduino IDE is very beginner-friendly and easy to use. You can even program the Pico using the Arduino IDE.
One last point: the original Pico is priced at just $5, almost four times less than the original Uno, which is priced at $25. However, you can get a clone of the original Uno from other manufacturers for around $7. So the choice is yours.
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14/08/2024 4:53 am
In my opinion if your just beginner in project building then Arduino Uno is a great starting point. It's simple, easy to learn, and has a huge community of users. There are tons of resources and tutorials available to help you get started.
Raspberry Pi Pico is a more powerful option with more flexibility. It can handle more complex projects and you can program it in Python or C/C++. However, there might be fewer resources available compared to Arduino.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you want to build and your personal learning style.
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06/02/2025 5:54 am
Unfortunately, I don't agree with others on this. I’ve used both, and honestly, the Raspberry Pi Pico is a fantastic choice, even for beginners. Here’s why:
- Supports Python (MicroPython): If you’re new to programming, Python is easier to learn compared to C/C++ used with Arduino.
- More Powerful Hardware: The Pico has a dual-core processor and more memory, giving you room to explore complex projects as you grow.
- Affordable: It’s cheaper than the Uno, so if you mess something up (which we all do when learning), it’s not a big loss.
That said, the community support for the Pico isn’t as large as Arduino’s yet, but it’s growing fast. If you’re excited about learning Python alongside electronics, the Pico is a solid choice!
Admin 24/02/2025 12:05 pm
@sophie Fair points! The Pico is definitely a solid option, especially if you’re into Python.
That said, I still think the Arduino Uno is easier for total beginners, just because there’s way more support, tutorials, and libraries. If you ever get stuck, chances are someone’s already solved it. Plus, working with C/C++ on Arduino isn’t as scary as it sounds—tons of example codes make it pretty straightforward.
