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Programming an FRC Robot Choosing a Language

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INDEX• The Programing Languages and their Environments

• The Three Major Enviroments• Java with the NetBeans IDE• C++ with the Windriver Workbench IDE• Graphical Programming with the LabView IDE

• Pros and Cons for each Language• Java• C++• LabView• Side-by-Side Comparisons

• Thanks

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THE PROGRAMING LANGUAGES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTS

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There are three major programing environments available to FIRST

Robotics Teams

• Java – NetBeans• C++ - Windriver Workbench• Graphical Programming - LabView

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Java with the NetBeans IDE

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Java Basic Structure

package edu.wpi.first.wpilibj.templates;

import edu.wpi.first.wpilibj.SimpleRobot;

public class RobotTemplate extends SimpleRobot {

//Declare Global Variables here

public RobotTemplate(){

//Initialize Global Variables here

}

public void autonomous() {

//Autonomous code goes here

}

public void operatorControl() {

//Teleop code goes here

}

}

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Java IDE Interface

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C++ with the Windriver Workbench IDE

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C++ Basic Structure#include "WPILib.h"

class RobotDemo : public SimpleRobot{

//Declaration of components go here

public:

RobotDemo(void):

//Initialization of components goes here

{

//Startup routines go here

}

void Autonomous(void){

//Autonomous code goes here

}

void OperatorControl(void) {

//Teleop code goes here

}

};

START_ROBOT_CLASS(RobotDemo);

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C++ IDE Interface

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Graphical Programming with the LabView IDE

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LabView Basic Structure

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LabView IDE Interface

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LabView IDE Interface

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LabView IDE Interface

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PROS AND CONS FOR EACH LANGUAGE

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JavaPros• A well known language• Many Resources• Similar to C++ in style and

syntax• Fast Compiling• Easier to pass references

between functions• Object-Oriented-Programming• Text-Based language• Structured/User Friendly• Used in Computer Science

Courses

Cons

• Does not use the standard LabView Dashboard

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C++Pros

• A well known language• Many Resources• Similar to Java in style

and syntax• Fast Compiling• Object-Oriented-

Programming• Text-based language

Cons

• Requires a Windows PC• Allows for free reign• Less user-friendly

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LabView

Pros• A well known language in

the First FRC community• Many Resources• Graphical• Popular with First Teams

Cons• Hard to navigate in the

functions menu• Requires Windows PC

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Side-by-Side Comparisons

Java• Text-based• Many Resources

Available• Syntax is similar to that of

C++• Fast Compiling• Object-Oriented-

Programming• Structured• Easier to pass references

C++• Text-based• Syntax is similar to that of

Java• Fast Compiling• Object-Oriented-

Programming• Many Resources

Available• Not Structured

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Side-by-Side Comparisons

LabView• Graphical• Hard to locate specific

functions• Popular with First Teams• Well Documented

C++• Text-based• Syntax is similar to that of

Java• Fast Compiling• Object-Oriented-

Programming• Many Resources

Available• Not Structured

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Side-by-Side Comparisons

LabView

• Graphical• Hard to locate specific

functions• Popular with First Teams• Well Documented

Java• Text-based• Many Resources

Available• Syntax is similar to that of

C++• Fast Compiling• Object-Oriented-

Programming• Structured• Easier to pass references

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Thanks to• Team 1279 ColdFusion• The Chief Delphi Community• The WPI Robotics Libraries• Sample Programs Provided by First

For providing information that was used in this presentation