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Raspberry Pi for  Python Programmers  Cookbook
Raspberry Pi for  Python Programmers  Cookbook

Raspberry Pi for Python Programmers Cookbook: Over 60 recipes that harness the power of the Raspberry Pi together with Python programming and create enthralling and captivating projects , Second Edition

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Raspberry Pi for Python Programmers Cookbook

Chapter 2. Starting with Python Strings, Files, and Menus

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

  • Working with text and strings
  • Using files and handling errors
  • Creating a boot-up menu
  • Creating a self-defining menu

Introduction

In this chapter, we discuss how to use Python to perform some basic encryption by scrambling letters. This will introduce some basic string manipulation, user input, progressing on to creating reusable modules, and graphical user interfaces.

To follow, we will create some useful Python scripts that can be added to run as the Raspberry Pi boots or an easy-to-run command that will provide quick shortcuts to common or frequently-used commands. Taking this further, we will make use of threading to run multiple tasks and introduce classes to define multiple objects.

As it is customary to start any programming exercise with a Hello World example, we will kick off with that now.

Create the hellopi.py file using nano, as follows:

nano -c hellopi.py

Within our hellopi.py file, add the following code:

#!/usr/bin/python3
#hellopi.py
print ("Hello Raspberry Pi")

When done, save and exit (Ctrl + X, Y, and Enter). To run the file, use the following command:

python3 hellopi.py

Congratulations...

Working with text and strings

A good starting point for Python is to gain an understanding of basic text handling and strings. A string is a block of characters stored together as a value. As you will learn, they can be viewed as a simple list of characters.

We will create a script to obtain the user's input, use string manipulation to switch around the letters, and print out a coded version of the message. We will then extend this example by demonstrating how encoded messages can be passed between parties without revealing the encoding methods, while also showing how to reuse sections of the code within other Python modules.

Getting ready

You can use most text editors to write Python code. They can be used directly on the Raspberry Pi or remotely through VNC or SSH.

The following are a few text editors that are available with the Raspberry Pi:

  • nano: This text editor is available at the terminal and includes syntax highlighting and line numbers (with the -c option). Refer to the following...

Using files and handling errors

In addition to easy string handling, Python allows you to read, edit, and create files easily. So, by building upon the previous scripts, we can make use of our encryptText() function to encode complete files.

Reading and writing to files can be quite dependent on factors that are outside of the direct control of the script, such as whether the file that we are trying to open exists or the filesystem has space to store a new file. Therefore, we will also take a look at how to handle exceptions and protect operations that may result in errors.

Getting ready

The following script will allow you to specify a file through the command line, which will be read and encoded to produce an output file. Create a small text file named infile.txt and save it so that we can test the script. It should include a short message similar to the following:

This is a short message to test our file encryption program.

How to do it…

Create the fileencrypt.py script using the following...

Creating a boot-up menu

We will now apply the methods introduced in the previous scripts and reapply them to create a menu that we can customize to present a range of quick-to-run commands and programs.

How to do it…

Create the menu.py script using the following code:

#!/usr/bin/python3
#menu.py
from subprocess import call

filename="menu.ini"
DESC=0
KEY=1
CMD=2

print ("Start Menu:")
try:
  with open(filename) as f:
    menufile = f.readlines()
except IOError:
  print ("Unable to open %s" % (filename))
for item in menufile:
  line = item.split(',')
  print ("(%s):%s" % (line[KEY],line[DESC]))
#Get user input
running = True
while(running):
  user_input = input()
  #Check input, and execute command
  for item in menufile:
    line = item.split(',')
    if (user_input == line[KEY]):
      print ("Command: " + line[CMD])
      #call the script
      #e.g. call(["ls", "-l"])
      commands = line[CMD...

Creating a self-defining menu

While the previous menu is very useful for defining the most common commands and functions we may use when running the Raspberry Pi, we will often change what we are doing or develop scripts to automate complex tasks.

To avoid the need to continuously update and edit the menu.ini file, we can create a menu that can list the installed scripts and dynamically build a menu from it, as shown in the following screenshot:

Creating a self-defining menu

A menu of all the Python scripts in the current directory

How to do it…

Create the menuadv.py script using the following code:

#!/usr/bin/python3
#menuadv.py
import os
from subprocess import call

SCRIPT_DIR="." #Use current directory
SCRIPT_NAME=os.path.basename(__file__)

print ("Start Menu:")
scripts=[]
item_num=1
for files in os.listdir(SCRIPT_DIR):
  if files.endswith(".py"):
    if files != SCRIPT_NAME:
      print ("%s:%s"%(item_num,files))
      scripts.append(files)
      item_num+=1
running = True...
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Key benefits

  • Install your first operating system, share files over the network, and run programs remotely
  • Construct robots and interface with your own circuits and purpose built add-ons, as well as adapt off-the-shelf household devices using this pragmatic guide
  • Packed with clear, step-by-step recipes to walk you through the capabilities of Raspberry Pi

Description

Raspberry Pi cookbook for Python Programmers is a practical guide for getting the most out of this little computer. This book begins by guiding you through setting up the Raspberry Pi, performing tasks using Python 3 and introduces the first steps to interface with electronics. As you work through each chapter you will build up your skills and knowledge and apply them as you progress throughout the book, delving further and further into the unique abilities and features of the Raspberry Pi. Later, you will learn how to automate tasks by accessing files, build applications using the popular Tkinter library and create games by controlling graphics on screen. You will harness the power of the built-in graphics processor by using Pi3D to generate your own high quality 3D graphics and environments. Connect directly to the Raspberry Pi’s hardware pins to control electronics from switching on LEDs and responding to push buttons right through to driving motors and servos. Learn how to monitor sensors to gather real life data and to use it to control other devices, and view the results over the Internet. Apply what you have learnt by creating your own Pi-Rover or Pi-Hexipod robots. Finally, we will explore using many of the purpose built add-ons available for the Raspberry Pi, as well as interfacing with common household devices in new ways.

Who is this book for?

Readers are expected to be familiar with programming concepts and Python (where possible Python 3 is used), although beginners should manage with the help of a good Python reference book and background reading. No prior knowledge of the Raspberry Pi or electronics is required; however, for the hardware sections you will need some basic electronic components/household tools to build some of the projects.

What you will learn

  • Get the Raspberry Pi set up and running for the first time
  • Remotely connect to the Raspberry Pi and use your PC/laptop instead of a separate screen/keyboard
  • Get to grips with text, files and creating quick menus using Python
  • Develop desktop applications; handle images and process files with ease
  • Make use of graphics and user control to develop your own exciting games
  • Use the Raspberry Pi's powerful GPU to create 3D worlds
  • Take control of the real world and interface with physical hardware, combining hardware and software for your own needs
  • Measure and control processes, respond to real events and monitor through the Internet
  • Learn about the Raspberry Pi hardware inputs/outputs, starting with the basics and beyond
  • Expand the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi with hardware expansion / add-on modules (use analogue inputs, drive servos and motors, and use SPI/I2C)
  • Create your own Pi-Rover or Pi-Hexpod driven by the Raspberry Pi
  • Make use of existing hardware by modifying and interfacing with it using the Raspberry Pi

Product Details

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Publication date : Oct 07, 2016
Length: 510 pages
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785283901
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Product Details

Publication date : Oct 07, 2016
Length: 510 pages
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Language : English
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Table of Contents

12 Chapters
1. Getting Started with a Raspberry Pi Computer Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Starting with Python Strings, Files, and Menus Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Using Python for Automation and Productivity Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Creating Games and Graphics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Creating 3D Graphics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Using Python to Drive Hardware Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Sense and Display Real-World Data Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Creating Projects with the Raspberry Pi Camera Module Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Building Robots Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Interfacing with Technology Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
A. Hardware and Software List Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(2 Ratings)
5 star 50%
4 star 0%
3 star 50%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Felix Dec 11, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
great help. Without this book we wouldn't have been able to get the raspberry pi working. The raspberry pi quick install guide has very little information.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Rajesh Sharma Jul 22, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
Tried chapter 8 program and observed there are errors which will prevent a new learner to have a functional program.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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