Hi all, Im trying to get a birthday present for my dad who is a Biologist and has been programing with Bash Script his entire life and recently learned python. I was wondering if he would be able to code in bash script to run on Arduino's or if he would have to learn C for it. He's pretty busy so ideally he could use the CS skills he already knows and jump right into Arduino's. I've been looking at Raspberry Pi's as well but Arduino's just seem easier and way cooler! So any advice on this would be much appreciated. Also if anyone could tell me what other basic things to get along with the Arduino in order to begin using it. Thanks!
He'll have to learn C/C++ for the Arduino.
If he is more comfortable with scripting then Python and Raspberry Pi for him.
Whats the learning curve like on C/C++
As any learning curve; tough in the beginning. But as your dad already has some experience in programming, the included examples might get him up to speed in no time.
A Raspberry Pi might be a better option; it runs some type of Linux OS so bash and Python might be there. No experience with it (yet).
Also have a look at the Arduino Yun (python included).