Tutorial
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Maker Platforms — Classroom Comparison Poster
Yes (can replace)
Partial overlap
No (different purpose)
Skill level (more filled = harder)
| Popularity | Platform | Best For | Replaces Raspberry Pi? | Replaces Arduino? | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
🎨 Scratch
WebBlocks
|
Logic, games, animations, storytelling | No | No | |
| 2 |
🧪 Tinkercad Circuits
WebSimulator
|
Virtual circuits, fast prototyping, classroom demos | No | Yes (for learning) | |
| 3 |
🔌 Arduino IDE / PlatformIO
C/C++Hardware
|
Robots, sensors, motors, wearables | Partial | Yes | |
| 4 |
🧱 micro:bit MakeCode
BlocksHardware
|
Beginner robotics, radio games, wearables | No | Yes | |
| 5 |
🐍 Thonny + MicroPython (Pico/Pico W)
PythonHardware
|
Pythonic robotics, IoT, quick projects | Partial | Yes | |
| 6 |
📶 ESP32 / ESP-IDF
CWi-Fi/BLEHardware
|
Advanced Wi-Fi/BLE devices, fast networking | Sometimes | Yes | |
| 7 |
🖥️ Raspberry Pi (Full OS)
LinuxComputer
|
Full apps, camera, web servers, AI/vision | Yes | Partial |
Quick guide: Scratch/Tinkercad are best for learning. Arduino/micro:bit/Pico/ESP32 drive real electronics. Raspberry Pi is a full computer for bigger projects (webcams, servers, AI). “Partial” = it can replace for some (not all) projects.