If you haven't heard of the Raspberry Pi, this device represents one of the best and most handy innovations of the previous decade.

This is borne out by the numbers too, with this compact but powerful computer device having sold in excess of 30 million units since its launch back in 2012.

But what are the best applications for your Raspberry Pi device? Here are some ideas to keep in mind.

1. Learn to Code

Believe it or not, a Raspberry Pi device is actually powerful enough to be run as a small Linux server, but one of its most common applications is to help students learn the fundamentals of coding.

In fact, the small and simplistic nature of the Pi is ideal for beginners of all ages who are looking to develop coding skills, whether you're new to programming as a whole or integrated systems such as Linux.

To start coding when using this device, simply open 'IDLE' by selecting the Raspberry Pi logo positioned in the top left-hand corners of the screen.

Then, simply click-through 'Programming" and "Python 3 (IDLE)", at which point you'll open Python's interactive interpreter and can start writing your first program!

2. Build Your Own Raspberry Pi 4 Computer

With the all-new and much improved Raspberry Pi 4 kit , you can also build your own compact personal computer or laptop at an incredibly affordable price!

Incredibly, this computer has the capacity to power two 4K screens simultaneously, while also enabling video and image editing and retaining the processing potential to perform in-depth machine learning activities.

The device that you're able to build using the Raspberry Pi can also feature up to two USB 3.0 ports and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, contributing to an incredibly potent and purposeful device.

All you need to achieve this is a single Raspberry Pi 4 desktop kit, so long as this includes a keyboard and touchpad mouse.

3. Develop Games and Build Your Own Pi Web Server

As you can use a Raspberry Pi device to code, it makes sense that you should be able to develop your own PC games as you gain more experience.

Once you've created your own library of fun and simple games, you may also want to use the Raspberry Pi to build out a unique server that enables you to enjoy these titles on your own terms.

Make no mistake; you can run various games on the Raspberry Pi, including your own bespoke titles and popular entities such as Doom, Terraria and the iconic Minecraft.

With the Raspberry Pi 4, your server can now be further improved and upgraded too, which may prove crucial as you continue to develop brand new games.