Getting started
The Raspberry Pi is an amazing device. Small, cheap and incredibly versatile, it's a fantastic bit of kit for playing around with and learning how to code.
The Raspberry Pi has a deceptively simple design that's not much bigger than a credit card, yet it can be used for a range of tasks as diverse as emulating classic computer games or hosting your own online photo album.
There are so many fun projects you can create with your Raspberry Pi that you might be wondering where to begin, especially if you're new to Raspberry Pi, coding and Linux, the free open source operating system that powers the Raspberry Pi.
That's why we've put together this collection of Raspberry Pi projects, which will help you not only get started with the Raspberry Pi, but also inspire you to build fun Raspberry Pi projects, such as a home media server or even your own robot.
So, if you've ever wondered what you can do with a Raspberry Pi, you've come to the right place…
Updated: We show you how to learn how to code in Python by creating your own text adventure game on the Raspberry Pi
Getting started with the Raspberry Pi
Before you begin playing around with projects for your Raspberry Pi you'll need to do a bit of configuring, so follow these guides to get your Pi up and running.
How to set up your Raspberry Pi
When you first unpack your Raspberry Pi you'll need to install an operating system, and the default choice for Raspberry Pi is Raspbian, which is a Linux-based OS.
This means the easiest way of setting up a Raspberry Pi is through a desktop PC running Linux. Check out our guide how to set up your Raspberry Pi in Linux to find out how to do this.
If your desktop PC doesn't run Linux don't worry, as it's also pretty straightforward to install it from Microsoft's more popular operating system – head over to how to set up your Raspberry Pi in Windows to find out more.
How to fix Raspberry Pi boot problems
The set-up process for the Raspberry Pi should be pretty painless, and you'll be able to get started on creating projects quickly.
However, things do sometimes go wrong, so if the tiny PC isn't turning on when you first try to start it up, check out our article how to fix Raspberry Pi boot problems.
How to install Ubuntu on Raspberry Pi 2
There are other options for installing operating systems on the Raspberry Pi, and if you have the more recent Raspberry Pi 2 then you can install one of the most popular versions of Linux: Ubuntu.
This will give your Raspberry Pi the flexibility of a desktop PC, all in its tiny and portable form factor. If you want to give it a try, read our how to install Ubuntu on Raspberry Pi 2 guide.
Raspberry Pi Projects
Supercharge your Raspberry Pi
To get an idea of what you can do with your Raspberry Pi, your first port of call should be our Supercharge your Raspberry Pi article, which will give you some great ideas and inspiration for Raspberry Pi projects.
How to install the Raspberry Pi camera module
Turn your Raspberry Pi into a camera with this add-on. We show you how to get started.
How to use Raspberry Pi to make a media centre
Who needs Netflix or an expensive smart TV when you can use a Raspberry Pi to supply all your entertainment needs?
In our how to use Raspberry Pi to make a media centre tutorial we'll tell you everything you need to know in order to create the ultimate media centre.
Build your first game using Scratch on the Raspberry Pi
Get to grips with coding, and make your very first game using the easy-to-understand Scratch programming language, with our build your first game using Scratch on the Raspberry Pi guide.
How to code your own adventure game in Python
One of the best things about the Raspberry Pi is that it's a great tool for learning how to code. This doesn't have to be a dry, boring affair either, as there are plenty of Raspberry Pi projects that can help you learn how to code while having fun.
Python is a widely used programming language, and it's also relatively easy to learn, so check out our guide on how to code your own adventure game in Python, which will show you how to make your own game while also learning how to code - and all you need is a Raspberry Pi!
Turn your Raspberry Pi 2 into a retro games console
If you'd rather play games than make them, you can relive your youth by turning your Raspberry Pi 2 into a retro games console, enabling you to play games from consoles of the past.
How to get started with Minecraft on Raspberry Pi
One of the world's most popular computer games, Minecraft, is available for the Raspberry Pi, and although it's great to play on the tiny PC, it's also a good way to learn how to code.
By using the Python language you can automate Minecraft on the Raspberry Pi to build fantastic worlds in a fraction of the time it would usually take - and it can help kids (as well as adults) learn the basics of coding.
To find out more check out our guide on how to get started with Minecraft on Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi robotics projects
Build a robot with Raspberry Pi
Some of the coolest Raspberry Pi projects enable you to build your own robots. With our how to build a robot with Raspberry Pi guide, we'll show you how to make a simple robot in your own home.
Build a remote control R2-D2 with the Raspberry Pi Zero
If you're a Star Wars fan then you'll love our How to build your own R2-D2 with the Raspberry Pi Zero project, which will show you how to create a working model of the iconic droid using a Raspberry Pi and an R2-D2 toy.
Home automation Raspberry Pi projects
Guard your home with Raspberry Pi
In our how to guard your home with Raspberry Pi tutorial we'll show you how you can create an alarm that will alert you if there's movement in your house.
While this can be used as an intruder alarm, there are other projects that you could use it for, such as studying the habits of wild animals.
How to build a texting doorbell with a Raspberry Pi
Build your very own smart doorbell that not only rings when it's pushed, but it will also send a text to your smartphone letting you know that someone is at your door.
This means you don't have to be within earshot of your doorbell if someone come around - you'll get alerted no matter where you are. Check out our guide on how to build a texting doorbell with a Raspberry Pi to find out what you need to do.
Productivity Raspberry Pi projects
Learn to program your Raspberry Pi
One of the best things about the Raspberry Pi is that it can help you (and your children) learn how to code. Check out our learn to program your Raspberry Pi guide to find out how to write simple programs and games in Python and Scratch, the two programming codes included in Raspbian.
Stream files from Raspberry Pi to a smartphone
We show you how to turn your Raspberry Pi into a file server and seedbox for torrents, and then access them on your mobile device in our how to stream files from Raspberry Pi to a smartphone guide.
Remotely control your Raspberry Pi
Give your Raspberry Pi more freedom by untethering it from a monitor and controlling it remotely.
We'll show you all you need to know in our how to remote control your Raspberry Pi guide.
Use a Raspberry Pi to browse anonymously
Here's another great example of the versatility of the Raspberry Pi – we show you how to use a Raspberry Pi to browse anonymously using Tor.
How to turn the Raspberry Pi into a wireless printer server
Don't bother splashing out on a fancy network-enabled printer, as you can use your existing printer and share it with other computers on your home network by turning a trusty Raspberry Pi into a dedicated printer server.
Check out our tutorial on how to turn the Raspberry Pi into a wireless printer server to find out how to put together this handy Raspberry Pi project.
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