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What Language Does the Raspberry Pi use:   A Comprehensive Guide

Versatile and affordable, the Raspberry Pi serves as excellent electronic hardware capable of performing many different operations. You can achieve this through all sorts of approaches that involve coding. How develop a project with so many languages compatible with the Pi? After all, each one offers its own difficulty level and features, making it tough to reach a final decision. This article outlines the various programming languages you can utilize on the Pi, helping you get started with your projects. So let’s take a look!

Best programming language for Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi supports varying programming languages. 

Raspberry Pi supports varying programming languages. 

These programming languages come with easy-to-understand syntax and versatility. As a result, These languages come with easy-to-understand syntax and versatility. As a result, beginners will ultimately find one of them beneficial in the long run:

Python

Python serves as a popular, open-source programming language on the Pi. Ideal for beginners, Python offers easy-to-understand syntax, making it convenient to code on any platform. The Thonny IDE, which comes with the Raspbian OS, allows you to write Python code on the Raspberry Pi hardware.

C programming language

The C programming language offers low-level memory access for programmers. 

The C programming language offers low-level memory access for programmers. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

C, another popular language, provides many useful features for any programmer coding on the Pi hardware. These include simplistic keywords, low-level memory access, and an elegant design. Developers also utilized the  C programming language to produce Linux, an operating system running on Raspberry Pi.

Java

Raspberry Pi also supports Java. 

Raspberry Pi also supports Java. 

Java, a popular cross-platform coding language, offers the ability to compile and run code on varying operating systems. In this case, you can write Java code on Pi and resume the project on Mac, Windows, Linux, and other platforms. You can also run the finished product on any operating system without reproducing the code. However, you will need to install BlueJ to create Java programs on the Pi computer.

Perl

Perl offers huge libraries suitable for interfaces.

Perl offers huge libraries suitable for interfaces.

Loaded with features, Perl offers a massive library suitable for interfaces. In this case, you can write Perl programs for analytical and debugging purposes on the Pi hardware’s output. In addition, it allows a user to develop Raspberry Pi automation processes, making the programming language incredibly convenient. 

Scratch

Bundled with Raspbian OS, Scratch, a visual programming language, allows young or new coders to develop animations and games. Users can also write code intended to manipulate the GPIO pins on the Pi computer, making it more versatile.   

JavaScript

Users can code Raspberry Pi programs with JavaScript. 

Users can code Raspberry Pi programs with JavaScript. 

JavaScript, a client-side programming language that makes websites more interactive, offers GPIO pin controllability on the Raspberry Pi device. You will need to install Node.js on the Raspberry Pi to create programs with JavaScript. 

Erlang

Erlang, an open-source language, allows you to develop a program that runs across more than one Pi device. If one system stops operating, then the others will take over. You can also create an interactive flashing LED program with Erlang. However, you will need to install Erlang on the hardware to get started.  

FAQs

Can you remove programming languages from the Raspberry Pi?

Yes, Pi’s add/remove software tool allows you to uninstall any programming language. You can also open the command line and type: Sudo apt remove package_name.

Why is Python the preferred programming language?

Python offers an easier, more versatile, and more powerful coding experience for newcomers eager to learn. It also features various libraries, tools, and frameworks designed to help users with their projects.

Can you leave the Pi powered on at all times?

Even though you can technically leave it powered all the time, doing so can cause damage due to overheating. Not only that, but it also reduces the Pi’s lifespan.

Which Python version does the Raspberry Pi utilize?

Raspbian versions from 2018 and earlier all feature Python 2.0.  Even then, later versions have Python 2.0 and 3.0 installed.

Summary

You can utilize a wide range of programming languages on the Raspberry Pi to create unique projects. However, some may prove more difficult to learn compared to others. In that case, you should start with easier, beginner-friendly languages, such as Python. This makes it very convenient, especially if you struggle to understand syntax and how it works. You won’t need to install anything on the Pi because it features pre-installed IDEs for Python and the language.

Do you have any questions regarding programming languages on the Raspberry Pi? Feel free to contact us!

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Emma Lu
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