I would like to buy a kit for a 13 year-old who knows the basic of python coding. I am planning to help him a little bit, and learn alongside him.
I am not familiar with Arduino at all, can anyone give advice as to what kit would be best to start with? I am a bit lost among all the options.
I guess a specific question would be: how is the experience using python (or micropython) with the starter kit? I see the Alvik kit specifically mentions micropython, but not the starterKit. Does the Arduino UNO fully supports it?
Get him a decent board. This generation likely doesn't get impressed by blinking LED.
If he knows basics of python, soon he knows basics of whatever. Esp32 based board could be good option.
And esp32 supports micropython..
The Uno is programmed in C++, not, so far as I know, any version of Python. While the version of C++ is standard GCC, Arduino have added lots of built-in code designed to make programming a lot easier for a beginner.
As for which kit I am not really qualified to answer because I didn't come here through an introductory kit. However, I suggest that a kit that includes a selection of sensors, maybe a display, maybe a motor, some buttons and LEDs, is going to give you a good start with learning.
On second thoughts, looking into it, the starter kit seems better than the Alvik. But they keep referencing the Arduino UNO. Does anyone know if it's possible to use the starter kit (go through the 15 designs) with an Arduino Nano ESP32?
In my opinion you are overthinking this, get a starter kit with a Uno and use it as a tool to learn. When you have mastered all you can then think about what you want to do next.
However, if you are really set on Python then you need a kit designed around Python, a kit designed for C++ will have examples written in C++ ( Arduino version).
First be aware that the majority of Arduino boards are generally not programmed using Python or MicroPython. Most of them, including the most common ones like the UNO and Nano (both R3 and R4) are programmed using the C++ language which is very different to Python or MicroPython.
If you want to stick with MicroPython, then there are a number of boards that can be programmed using that language, including the Raspberry Pico/Pico W and the ESP32. As it happens, there are also a handful of Arduino boards that can be programmed using MicroPython, these include the Nano Connect, Nano 33, Giga and as you have discovered the Nano ESP32, but its origins are with C++.
Alvik is a small robot themed kit built around the ESP32 that happens to use an Arduino Nano ESP32 board. Its fairly simple and not very diverse in terms of learning, but should provide at least some fun.
Something like this might be OK if you want to go down the MicroPython route:
On the other hand, one of the UNO kits would provide an alternative learning experience if he doesn't mind the challenge of learning another programming language. To be fair, young minds adapt very quickly!
A lot of Arduino boards run on 5 volts, but many of the more modern ones now run using 3.3V and their pins can not tolerate 5 volts being applied to them. This is why, as @kmin mentioned, if you choose a kit, then it should be for that specific board so that you can be reasonably sure that the components that come with it will work with that board. Many of the sensors in various kit are all the same and may work with both types of boards, but some may may not work properly due to the voltage difference.
Not sure if that helps, but I hope I haven't muddled things even more!
Alvik robot: uses python, but feels less fun (less diverse activities)
starter kit: seems fun, but uses C, not python (I am worried it will confuse him a little, he's not completely comfortable with python, I feel it's a bit much to already introduce another language)
Rasperry Pi Pico: this looks like a great kit. My only reservation is that i was inclined to use Arduino instead of Rasperry Pi, because it seems the Rasperry Pi ecosystem is more about small computers rather than micrcontrollers. I understand the Pico specifically is a microcontroller, but it feels like when we want to expand beyond the Pico, we'll be stuck with computers (i.e. boards with an OS).
A Rp Pico is a lot more like any Arduino board than like an Pi. You can program a Pico with the standard Arduino IDE in C/C++ or you can program it in Micropython with Thonny. If you learn to program a Pico in C++ then you can take that knowledge to any Arduino board. Please remember a Pico is a 3V3 board.
I would avoid any EBAY starter kits. I went that way as a way to begin, but most of the learning was fixing the software errors and discovering the incorrect components. But I have many years experience with electronics and all types of computers.
If this kid reads english natively, I don't see problem with any of them, Pico, Esp32, whatever...
Esp32 has likely more tutorials and examples online. I would be surprised, if Alvik is only kit available for Esp.
It seems good, because it is arduino-compatible, can be programmed in python, and seems fun.
I am a bit concerned about how much it is compatible with Arduino though. Can I be confident that most arduino hardware, at least 3V3, will be compatible with this board?
There is not a general thing like "arduino hardware" except some shields that are designed for some specific board. Only important thing is that you don't buy any kit for 5V board if you have 3.3V board, because it's likely giving frustration for beginner.
A lot depends on his end goal. Is he trying to self teach as preparation for employment in the general IT industry or will this just be a hobby. If the former here are some steps, if a casual hobbyist, just continue what you are doing but if a serious hobbyist the following steps are still recommended. One of the first sentences in a systems design book is do NOT pick the hardware first.
After he has read the Arduino Cookbook and at least the Electronics cookbook then pick a project, list what hardware resources it needs (number of Analogue and Digital pins, what busses as in I2C, SPI etc. Now you can select the board, sensors etc and begin to design the code. Good luck.
Thanks for your thoughts. At that point, it is just for fun. I just want to introduce him to the world of electronics. But who knows, maybe it will lead to some professional considerations.
I would let him take a look on possible projects to see what calls his attention and then go for the hardware (as @sonofcy said).
Some kids like robots, some like LEDs/Sounds and some like remote operation of something. I think the Alvik would be a good start on robotics, but sounds like killing a fly with a cannon for the basics.
Another point is: starting with complicated projects is a recipe for frustration. To start from scratch, i would go with an Uno R3 and a couple of sensors of his choice as @PerryBebbington said. There are tons of examples on the internet, most of them in C++, not in Python though.
If you want to stick with Python, Adafruit pages can be a good start. They offer many options of boards too.
You should do more research on the subject. The claim made by the security firm was vastly exaggerated, and the security community refuted it within a matter of days:
The fact that the source you found didn't update the article indicates it is a low quality source that should be avoided.
