Thonny IDE for Python Reddit: A Comprehensive Comparison of Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino

As a maker or hobbyist, choosing the right microcontroller board can be overwhelming, especially with numerous options available in the market. After conducting a detailed comparison between the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino, I am convinced that the Raspberry Pi Pico is the future of microcontrollers. In this article, we will delve into the features and specifications of both boards to help you decide which one suits your project best.

Price Comparison

The Raspberry Pi Pico board is available at an affordable price of just $4, making it an attractive option for beginners and seasoned makers alike. On the other hand, the Arduino board prices vary depending on whether you opt for a clone or genuine version. Even the clone version is more expensive than the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Onboard LEDs and ADC

The onboard LED in Arduino is connected to pin 13, while the Raspberry Pi Pico's onboard LED is connected to GP25. In terms of Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Arduino offers 6x10-bit resolution, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico provides 3x12-bit resolution.

PWM Pins and USB Interface

Arduino has six PWM pins, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico boasts a total of 16 PWM pins. The USB interface in Arduino is an external USB serial IC, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico features a USB 1.1 device and host. Additionally, Arduino uses a USB B connector for program loading, while the Raspberry Pi Pico employs a USB micro B connector with USB mass storage.

Digital Pins and Power Input

Arduino has 20 digital pins, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico offers 26 digital pins. The Board Power Input in Arduino is 5Vdc via USB B, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico's 5Vdc power input is supplied via USB micro B. Alternative board power input in Arduino ranges from 7 to 12 volts DC via a DC female socket, while the Raspberry Pi Pico can operate within a voltage range of 1.8 to 5 volts DC via its VSYS pin 39.

RAM and Flash Size

The RAM size on Arduino is 2 Kbyte, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico boasts an impressive 264 Kbyte of RAM. Similarly, the flash size on Arduino is 32 Kbyte, while the Raspberry Pi Pico offers a massive 2 Mbyte of flash memory.

EEPROM and Programming Languages

Arduino features 1 Kbyte of EEPROM, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico does not have an EEPROM. The programming languages used for each board differ as well - Arduino uses C with the Arduino IDE, whereas the Raspberry Pi Pico can be programmed in Micro Python, C, and C++, with Thonny IDE being a popular choice.

Comparison Summary

In this article, we compared the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino boards side by side to help you decide which controller board is best for your project. The Raspberry Pi Pico's impressive specifications, affordability, and ease of programming make it an attractive option for many makers and hobbyists. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker,

In conclusion, the choice between an Arduino board and a Raspberry Pi Pico ultimately depends on your project requirements. If you need a budget-friendly, highly programmable board with impressive specifications, the Raspberry Pi Pico is an excellent choice. I would appreciate your support in this endeavor by buying components through the provided links - I may earn a commission for each sale made.

Final Thoughts

In the world of microcontrollers, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and advancements. By using Thonny IDE for Python with Raspberry Pi Pico, you can unlock its full potential and create innovative projects that showcase your creativity and skills. Stay tuned for more articles on this topic and share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Thonny ide for python reddit