Where do I start?

[dhewko]

Got the Pine64 (2 gig version) for my son to learn programming. Also got touch screen, camera, humidity control, wifi, bluetooth, light sensor. No idea of what he should build but wanted to be ready for almost anything. What OS would be good as a fairly easy OS to program with? And any ideas on what to build?

Thanks!

[Luke]

hello

Don't know what level your son is at, so my suggestions will be rather general. Start with Linux and let your son get acquainted with bash. There are many great tutorials out there. Build a LAMP server from scratch, install wordpress and have him make a small website about his hobby or what-not. This way he gets his feet wet with using bash and CSS. I think that its a nice and pleasant first project

You can of course start with scratch and then fiddle with python. You didnt say how old your son is, so if he a young kid then go with scratch first.

Let me know if you found this useful and if you want me to trow more ideas at you Good luck!

[dhewko]

hello

Don't know what level your son is at, so my suggestions will be rather general. Start with Linux and let your son get acquainted with bash. There are many great tutorials out there. Build a LAMP server from scratch, install wordpress and have him make a small website about his hobby or what-not. This way he gets his feet wet with using bash and CSS. I think that its a nice and pleasant first project

You can of course start with scratch and then fiddle with python. You didnt say how old your son is, so if he a young kid then go with scratch first.

Let me know if you found this useful and if you want me to trow more ideas at you Good luck!

Kinda help. He is 15. but only basic programming. Looking for something not extremely complicated that we can later link to wifi, humidity sensor, light sensor, touch screen and camera. Almost seems like REMIX is the only option? I can help him a little as I am a programmer but I don't see COBOL as a supported language. Honestly, any language that we can build upon would be great. Then to find one or two tutorials to get started and everything should be good.

[Luke]

The issue you are facing is the limited support for peripherals under linux. Indeed, Remix doesnt work with touchscreen at present time. This is all subject to change, of course, but for now this is the state of matters. Now, if you want to make something that will use the touchscreen you have to turn use the LCD android image.
Why not python or PHP then? - I believe that both are supported on android.

[jl_678]

I would second the suggestion of running Linux and using Python.  Python is a powerful, well supported and fairly easy to learn language.  I also think that it is a bit easier to get Linux up and running on a Pine64 than Android primarily due to the difficulties with Phoenixcard.

[dhewko]

Many thanks!

[dhewko]

Last question, I hope, is there a FAQ on how to add the components? For PCs, it's just plug into the obvious spot, not like this. And I got the humidity and light sensors but I have no idea what is what....