# CircuitPython on Raspberry Pi (Bare Metal / No OS) ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/107/780/medium800/circuitpython_IMG_4240.jpg?1641937751) The Raspberry Pi single board computers (SBCs for short) are normally used with the Raspberry Pi OS. This is great for gaming and web browsing, but isn't designed for microcontroller-like tasks. Tasks like reading I2C sensors and SPI devices can be trickier. Furthermore, Linux system maintenance can be tricky for beginners. Instead of Raspberry Pi OS, one can now use CircuitPython instead. CircuitPython running without another operating system (OS) is typically known as "bare metal". This greatly simplifies system maintenance and makes it easier to treat the Raspberry Pi like a microcontroller. In addition, running CircuitPython on the Raspberry Pi increases the amount of flash and RAM available to CircuitPython programs. Finally, it also adds the ability to use displayio on HDMI displays. Folks may be running CircuitPython programs from within Raspberry Pi OS currently through Blinka. This is different from CircuitPython standalone because you edit the files using the computer itself and are limited by the underlying OS. See [the Blinka guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux) for details on how to use a CircuitPython program from within Raspberry Pi OS. # Status CircuitPython support for the Raspberry Pi SBCs was added in CircuitPython 7.1.0 and is done under the `broadcom` port. The list of known issues is available on [the CircuitPython GitHub project under the "broadcom" label](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3Abroadcom). ## Parts Select from the supported boards. Then look for accessories specific to that board (power supply, video cable, etc.). If the Compute Module 4 is used, a suitable carrier board like the official IO Board will be needed. Featured ### Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 - 4GB RAM, 32GB MMC and WiFi [Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 - 4GB RAM, 32GB MMC and WiFi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4982) The **Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4** is based on the [Raspberry Pi 4 Model B](http://www.adafruit.com/product/4297), but in a smaller form factor - perfect for embedding into products or projects without the bulk of a classic Raspberry Pi. You get all the computational... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4982) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4982/guides) ![Angled shot of compute module.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4982-00.jpg) Featured ### Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board [Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4787) Exposing every interface from Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, the **Compute Module 4 IO Board** provides a development platform and reference base-board design for the most powerful Compute Module yet. The **Compute Module 4 IO Board**  is a development board... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4787) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4787/guides) ![Angled shot of large Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 I/O Board.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4787-05.jpg) Featured ### Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 2 GB RAM [Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 2 GB RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4292) The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the newest Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 4... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4292) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4292/guides) ![Angled Shot of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 2 GB RAM](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4292-13.jpg) Featured ### Raspberry Pi Zero W [Raspberry Pi Zero W](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400) If you didn't think that the Raspberry Pi Zero could possibly get any better, then boy do we have a pleasant surprise for you! The new **Raspberry Pi Zero W** offers all the benefits of the Pi Zero v1.3, but with one big difference – **built-in...** Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3400/guides) ![Angled shot of Raspberry Pi Zero W computer.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3400-06.jpg) Featured ### Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W [Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291) **Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W** is the latest product in Raspberry Pi's most affordable range of single-board computers. The successor to the breakthrough Raspberry Pi Zero W, **Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W** is a form factor–compatible drop-in replacement for the... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5291/guides) ![Angled shot of a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5291-00.jpg) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberry-pi-bare-metal-no-os/installation.md) ## Guide Products ### Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 - 4GB RAM, 32GB MMC and WiFi [Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 - 4GB RAM, 32GB MMC and WiFi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4982) The **Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4** is based on the [Raspberry Pi 4 Model B](http://www.adafruit.com/product/4297), but in a smaller form factor - perfect for embedding into products or projects without the bulk of a classic Raspberry Pi. You get all the computational... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4982) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4982/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board [Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4787) Exposing every interface from Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, the **Compute Module 4 IO Board** provides a development platform and reference base-board design for the most powerful Compute Module yet. The **Compute Module 4 IO Board**  is a development board... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4787) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4787/guides) ### Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 2 GB RAM [Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 2 GB RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4292) The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the newest Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 4... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4292) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4292/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Zero W [Raspberry Pi Zero W](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400) If you didn't think that the Raspberry Pi Zero could possibly get any better, then boy do we have a pleasant surprise for you! The new **Raspberry Pi Zero W** offers all the benefits of the Pi Zero v1.3, but with one big difference – **built-in...** Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3400/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W [Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291) **Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W** is the latest product in Raspberry Pi's most affordable range of single-board computers. The successor to the breakthrough Raspberry Pi Zero W, **Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W** is a form factor–compatible drop-in replacement for the... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5291/guides) ## Related Guides - [Raspberry Pi Care and Troubleshooting](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-care-and-troubleshooting.md) - [RGB LED Matrix Cube with 25,000 LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-matrix-cube-for-pi.md) - [PiGlass](https://learn.adafruit.com/piglass-wearable-raspberry-pi-computer.md) - [Python Edge Speech Recognition with Voice2JSON](https://learn.adafruit.com/edge-speech-recognition-with-voice2json.md) - [BrainCraft Camera Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/braincraft-camera-case.md) - [Adafruit IO Environmental Monitor for Feather or Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-air-quality-monitor.md) - [Programming with Scratch 2 or 3 on Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/programming-with-scratch-on-raspberry-pi.md) - [Face Mask Efficacy Testing with SCIENCE!](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-camera-vision-face-mask-efficacy-testing.md) - [Boomy Pi Airplay Boombox](https://learn.adafruit.com/boomy-pi-airplay.md) - [reef-pi Guide 6: pH Monitoring](https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-guide-7-ph-monitoring.md) - [Make a Pi Trash Classifier with Machine Learning and Lobe](https://learn.adafruit.com/lobe-trash-classifier-machine-learning.md) - [Pi Hole Ad Blocker with Pi Zero W](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-hole-ad-blocker-with-pi-zero-w.md) - [Mini Smart Home with Huzzah, HASSio and Crickit](https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-smart-home-with-esp8266-huzzah-feather-raspberry-pi-hassio-crickit.md) - [Instagram Photo Frame](https://learn.adafruit.com/instagram-photo-frame.md) - [Using Google Assistant on the BrainCraft HAT or Voice Bonnet](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-google-assistant-on-the-braincraft-hat.md) - [reef-pi Guide 5: Light Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-lighting-controller.md)