Coding Compendium: A free ebook of Python, Scratch, Raspberry Pi and micro:bit tutorials

By Sean McManus

This free ebook compiles a selection of articles I’ve written about Raspberry Pi, Scratch and Python coding. Most of these articles originally appeared in The MagPi, Hello World, Raspberry Pi Geek, and micro:mag magazines, while others are taken from my blog.

With 145 pages in this expanded second edition, my free coding ebook includes:

1. Raspberry Pi tutorial:
   • An introduction to using the Raspberry Pi, its desktop software, and VNC and SSH for remote connections
2. Scratch programming tutorials and projects:
   • What's new in Scratch 3? Top tips for using older tutorials with the latest version of Scratch.
   • An introduction to Scratch programming
   • How to make a multiple choice quiz in Scratch
   • How to add a title screen to your Scratch game
   • How to add a high score table to your Scratch game
   • How to make a car racing game in Scratch using the Sense HAT as a steering wheel. This article has been remastered with larger scripts to improve readability.
   • How to make a Scratch audio game using the micro:bit as a controller
   • Top tips on debugging Scratch projects for teachers
   • A handy reference chart for the musical notes in Scratch and Sonic Pi
3. Python programming tutorials and projects:
   • An introduction to Python, using the turtle. This article was first published in Raspberry Pi Geek magazine and has been updated for this ebook.
   • How to code a quiz game in Scratch with questions like the TV show Only connect
   • How to make an electronic torch and a light-up puzzle game using the Raspberry Pi, some basic electronic components, and Python
   • How to make text scroll on the Unicorn HAT
   • An introduction to Pygame Zero
   • How to make a game to teach sheet music skills using the Piano HAT and Python
   • Demo code for the 64-LED PiCube add-on for the Raspberry Pi
   • How to make a pomodoro timer with the micro:bit and Python
   • How to use ImageMagick to transform your images
   • How to create an abstract art installation, ArtEvolver, that continuously fades between images
   • How to download and output the news and weather using Python
   • How to create a virtual DJ that analyses your music tracks and reads an introduction before playing them
   • How to generate AI-based stories and images using ChatGPT and DeepAI, to create a bedtime storyteller
   • Fun with files: See how to search PDF files and download web pages into a Word document using Python
4. Electronics tutorials:
   • Create a Morse code transmitter
   • Build an LED torch and electronic pattern-repeating light game
   • Create a countdown clock using a four-digit seven-segment display
5. Inspiring projects:
   • The Next Verse: Sound plus textiles and Raspberry Pi
   • Spin: An AI DJ deck
   • Summer projects
   • Midimutant: Creating new synth sounds with Aphex Twin
   • Weekend projects

Although these articles were mostly written for Raspberry Pi users, the Scratch and Python tutorials will also work on Windows and Mac computers, except where they require special hardware.

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About the Author

Sean McManus is a writer specialising in technology and business. His books include Mission Python, Scratch Programming in Easy Steps, Web Design in Easy Steps, and Raspberry Pi For Dummies (with Mike Cook).