As you may know, Node-RED is an open-source, flow-based development tool for visual programming, primarily used for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. The Raspberry Pi Pico is a great platform to experiment with Node-RED, and Elektor released a new book titled Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W, by Peter Dalmaris. It provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for beginners and advanced users alike, covering essential concepts, practical projects, and advanced techniques using Node-RED, the Raspberry Pi Pico W, and MicroPython.

Dive Into Node-RED and the Pico W

The book is divided into four parts. The first part is tailored for beginners, covering the essentials of event-driven systems, the installation of Node-RED using Docker, and the basics of nodes, flows, dashboards, and MQTT. The second part takes a more hands-on turn and introduces the Raspberry Pi Pico W and its integration with Node-RED, featuring projects that involve sensors, motors, displays, relays, and joysticks.

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Next, as the video shows, in the third part readers are introduced to MicroPython, one of the Python variants designed for embedded systems. This section provides foundational knowledge necessary for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico W and other microcontroller boards. The final part of the book explores advanced Node-RED resources, including important nodes, control structures, and the integration of Node-RED with external services and APIs.

For new users, the book is designed to be read linearly to ensure no steps are missed. However, those already familiar with Node-RED or MicroPython can selectively focus on the sections most relevant to their needs. 

You’ll be able to find the book in our Elektor Store. Watch the video review below:

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