1. Setting Up
- Some basic knowledge of Java or C++ is required.
- Understanding classes, methods, and syntax. Fret not, there are a lot of documentations on programming already done by the FRC.
- How to read and understand JavaDocs. They will be great when you need to know what the classes can do, and what parameters are needed for the methods.
- Debugging. Figure it out and make things work. Sometimes it's hardware, but most of the time, software.
- Install a coding IDE called Visual Studio Code. Chances are, it is already installed.
- After installing VS Code, open it up and look for the extension tab on the left of the app. (Shortcut for extensions:
Ctrl+Shift+X) - Search for and install the extension WPILib. It is required to deploy and run code.
- Another good to have extension is the Java Extension Pack/C++ Extension Pack
- After that, reload VS Code and you've set up your coding environment!
- Make sure you have the FRC Driver Station installed (very likely) and have the roboRIO running on the latest image.
- Also you need a Java Development Kit (JDK) to actually code in Java, so if you don't have a JDK then go and download JDK 12 via a google search.
Most of the commands you need will be found in the WPILib button that can be found near the top right of VS Code.
The three most used commands would be
Create a New Project allows you to make templates and examples. If you want to start from scratch, use a template. If you need code for reference then use examples.
Build Code turns your source code into a "executable". It's a good way to check if your code works.
Deploy Code deliver your "executable" to the RoboRIO. Now the robot is running your code!