The [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheo.com/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) is a versatile mini-computer that supports multiple programming languages. Here’s how to start coding on it, from setup to running your first program.

**1. Set Up Your Raspberry Pi**
**What You Need**
* Raspberry Pi (any model, but [Pi 4](https://www.ampheo.com/search/Pi%204)/5 recommended).
* MicroSD card (16GB+) with Raspberry Pi OS (previously called Raspbian).
* Keyboard, mouse, and monitor (or SSH for headless setup).

**Install Raspberry Pi OS**
1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com.
2. Flash the OS to your MicroSD card.
3. Insert the card into the Pi, power it on, and complete setup.

**2. Choose a Programming Language**
The Pi supports almost any language, but the easiest for beginners are:


**3. Write & Run Your First Program (Python Example)**
**A. Using the Thonny IDE (Pre-installed)**
1. Open Thonny from the Programming menu.
2. Type:

python
print("Hello, Raspberry Pi!")  

3. Click Run (or press F5).

**B. Using Terminal (Command Line)**
1. Open Terminal.
2. Create a file:

bash
nano hello.py  

3. Type the Python code, then save (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X).
4. Run it:

bash
python3 hello.py  

**4. Coding for GPIO (Hardware Control)**
Want to blink an LED? Here’s how:

**Circuit Setup**
* Connect LED+ to GPIO17 (Pin 11).
* Connect LED- to GND (Pin 9) with a 220Ω [resistor](https://www.onzuu.com/category/resistors).

**Python Code (Using RPi.GPIO Library)**

python
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO  
import time  

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)  
GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT)  

try:  
    while True:  
        GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH)  # LED ON  
        time.sleep(1)  
        GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW)   # LED OFF  
        time.sleep(1)  
except KeyboardInterrupt:  
    GPIO.cleanup()  

Run with:

bash
python3 blink.py  

**5. Other Ways to Code on [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheoelec.de/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards)**
**A. Remote Development (VS Code + SSH)**
1. Enable SSH on Pi (sudo raspi-config → Interfacing Options → SSH).
2. Install VS Code on your PC + "Remote SSH" extension.
3. Connect to your Pi and edit files directly.

**B. Web-Based IDEs**
Jupyter Notebook (for Python):

bash
pip3 install jupyterlab  
jupyter-lab --ip=0.0.0.0  

Access at http://<Pi-IP>:8888.

**6. Next Steps**
* Explore [sensors](https://www.ampheo.com/c/sensors) ([DHT11](https://www.ampheo.com/product/dht11-26836202), Ultrasonic, PIR).
* Build a web server (Flask, Node.js).
* Try robotics (using GPIO + motors).