Just published: Raspberry Pi For Dummies, 3rd edition

06 October 2017

Since the second edition was published in 2014, there have been quite a few changes in the Raspberry Pi world. Most obviously, there has been the launch of the Raspberry Pi 3 and the Pi Zero, but there have also been quite a few changes in the software. There's a new desktop, a new Python editor (Thonny), the release of Pygame Zero and Scratch 2, and the latest version of Sonic Pi. For this new edition, we've updated the book to reflect all these changes, and have updated the code throughout for Python 3. There's a new chapter on using Pygame Zero, and my co-author Mike Cook has completely rewritten the electronics section, including an introduction to GPIO Zero and Scratch so you can get your first circuit up and running faster. The Sonic Pi chapter has been updated for a greater focus on live coding and experimentation.

We have tried to be as inclusive as possible, so the book aims to cater for the Model B+ and later, and provides pointers for earlier machines where possible. The set-up instructions include guidance for the original Model B and Model A, providing a comprehensive reference for setting up the Pi. The Scratch chapter introduces Scratch 2, but the main project uses the original Scratch which performs faster and is available on older Pi models too.

The book still includes coverage of setting up your Pi, using the Linux desktop and shell environment, LibreOffice, GIMP for photo editing, Kodi media player software, Python, Scratch, programming Minecraft, Sonic Pi, and building electronics projects. It also includes ten inspiring projects and ten software packages to try.

You can build a maze maker in Minecraft using the instructions in Chapter 13 of the book!

Since we published the previous editions, the For Dummies series has been rebranded with a redesign inside and out. The new design looks much cleaner and more modern to me, so I think you'll like it. If you'd like to take a look, I've updated the free PDF sampler of Raspberry Pi For Dummies here. That includes two chapters, and the table of contents in full to give you an overview of the book.

As always, thank you to everyone who has supported the previous editions of the book by buying it, reviewing it, and telling others about it. There wouldn't be a third edition without you, and it's been wonderful to create a book that has been so well received. Thanks also to Mike for bringing his electronics expertise, and the team at Wiley for all their work behind the scenes on editing, proofreading, project management and marketing.

The book is available now to buy or order in real bookshops and online. You can find some links to shops stocking Raspberry Pi For Dummies here. There's lots more information about the book here.

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