What is a Raspberry Pi, and how does it work?

The Raspberry Pi was first released in 2012, and since then, it has undergone numerous updates and modifications. The original Pi had a single-core 700MHz processor and 256MB of RAM, whereas the most recent model has a quad-core 1.5GHz processor and 4GB of RAM. The Raspberry Pi has always cost around $100 (usually around $40 USD), with the Pi Zero being the most affordable at only $5.

People all across the world use the Raspberry Pi to learn to program, build hardware projects, automate their homes, run Kubernetes clusters and Edge computing, and even utilize it in industrial applications.

The Raspberry Pi is a low-cost computer that runs Linux and contains GPIO connections for manipulating electronic components and experimenting with the Internet of Things (IoT).

What Raspberry Pi models have been released?

From the Raspberry Pi 1 through the Pi 4, and even a Pi 400, the Raspberry Pi series has progressed over time. A Model A and a Model B have existed in most generations. Model A is a less expensive model with less RAM and ports (such as USB and Ethernet). The Raspberry Pi Zero is a smaller and less priced variant of the first generation (Pi 1). So far, here's who's on the list: Model B of the Raspberry Pi (2012)

• Pi 1 Model A (2013)

• Pi 1 Model B+ (2014)

• Pi 1 Model A+ (2014)

• Pi 2 Model B (2015)

• Pi Zero (2015)

• Pi 3 Model B (2016)

• Pi Zero W (2017)

• Pi 3 Model B+ (2018)

• Pi 3 Model A+ (2019)

• Pi 4 Model A (2019)

• Pi 4 Model B (2020)

• Pi 400 (2021)

What exactly is the Raspberry Pi Foundation and what does it accomplish?

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is committed to bringing the power of computers and digital fabrication to people all around the world. It achieves this by providing low-cost, high-performance computers for people to learn on, solve problems with, and have fun with. It performs outreach and education to help more people obtain access to computing and digital creativity; it provides free materials to teach people about computers and how to make things with them, as well as training educators to teach others.

Code Club and CoderDojo are sponsored by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, however both programs are platform agnostic (they aren't limited to Raspberry Pi hardware). The Raspberry Pi Foundation encourages these clubs and assists in the global spread of the network, ensuring that every child has access to computer education. Raspberry Jams, on the other hand, are Raspberry Pi-centric get-togethers where individuals of all ages can learn about the Raspberry Pi and share ideas and projects.

Is the Raspberry Pi an open-source and free device?

The Raspberry Pi runs Linux (a variety of variants), and its primary operating system, Pi OS, is open source and runs a suite of open-source applications. The Raspberry Pi Foundation contributes to the Linux kernel and other open-source projects, as well as making many of its own programs open-source. The schematics for the Raspberry Pi are frequently given as documentation, but the board is not open hardware.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation relies on proceeds from Raspberry Pi computer sales to fund its educational programs.

What can you do with a Raspberry Pi?

Some people buy a Raspberry Pi to learn how to code, while others use it to learn how to code electronic projects. The Raspberry Pi may allow you to build your own home automation projects, which are popular among open-source fans because they put you in control rather than depending on a proprietary closed system.

See Which Raspberry Pi should you choose for your project?