Use a Raspberry Pi plus a temperature sensor to talk to a PS Vita Display
Show the Outside Temperature
© Lead Image © Hermin Utomo, 123RF.com
Lua is an interesting Python alternative for small embedded machines that are not sufficiently powerful to run Python scripts. Create Lua socket client/server scripts to send outside temperatures between a Pi and a PS Vita display.
The Lua programming language [1] is often viewed as mainly a video game scripting language, because many popular games such as Angry Birds, Roblox, and World of Warcraft use it. But Lua scripts run extremely fast, making Lua a good option for many small embedded systems where Python isn't supported or may have performance issues.
In this article, I'll introduce Lua by letting it fight Python in a simple performance test that compares startup times. Next, I'll look at some good application fits for Lua, and I'll finish with a small home project that uses a Raspberry Pi Zero W that sends weather data to a PlayStation (PS) Vita handheld gaming console.
Before jumping into a Lua solution, it's important to consider the pros and cons. On the positive side, systems like laptops and Raspberry Pis can have Lua initial call-ups 10 times faster than with Python. For very low-end systems with memory constraints, you may see Lua starting more than 30 times faster than Python. On the negative side, Lua doesn't have the vast libraries, documentation, or user support that is available for Python. For small embedded systems that only require base functionality Lua can be a good fit. However, for large or complex coding projects Python will typically be the better choice.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.