Following on from the micro:bit python simulator on create.withcode.uk, many students and staff have requested a python simulator for the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins.

This quickstart guide talks you through how to start writing code for physical computing using the GPIO pins on a Raspberry Pi.

It’s designed for teaching students how to do physical computing without having to invest in a separate Raspberry Pi for each student.

You can write, run, debug and share code that simulates the GPIO pins reading inputs and controlling outputs in a web browser then just have one (or more) Raspberry Pis set up with LEDs and switches connected up to demonstrate the same code.

This speeds up development time and reduces set up time and costs.

RPI GPIO Python simulator

RPI GPIO Python simulator

Physical computing is much more fun when students can actually see their code controlling a real life device – so this isn’t designed to replace actually plugging in and connecting up the physical components.

This simulator is designed to supplement and complement the actual physical computing: to iron out the more frustrating parts of the development process so students can focus on tinkering with the code, debugging, sharing, collaborating and exploring.

Try out the RPI GPIO python simulator here: https://create.withcode.uk/python/A3

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I hope it’s useful!