Quote:
Originally Posted by newprogrammer
Hi, I am the lead programmer of a team that lost almost all of its programmers and programming mentors, so we have almost no experience with frc programming. I know some basic java, but don't know too much, especially robot programming.
I have some questions about the new year:
1. I am aware that we are changing to Eclipse this year. Does anybody know why this change is taking place, and what we have to do to get the plugins. I have never used Eclipse before.
2.Where and when do we get the new FRC java API library? I heard somewhere that they were considering scrapping it and building a new one from scratch, is that true?
3. Lastly, where are some good places to learn and teach both basic java and robot programming, like autonomous, smart dashboard, ir sensors, and more that I can't think of. I'm expecting a number of people to join with little to no java experience, and I myself am not good at robot programming.
Is it all in the API library, or do I have to learn from somewhere else.
These are all the questions that I can think of now, I may add on to this post later if I have any more.
Thanks in advance for your help!
~newprogrammer
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1. I really do not know a SPECIFIC reason why they would move to Eclipse, and I dont think there is an official reason... In my opinion it is likely that it is just one of those industry standards. Eclipse is VERY widespread, I have only ever left Eclipse for a short time to try out IntelliJ and for Robotics since I was forced to use Netbeans. It MAY be easier to develop plugins for Eclipse... I have only experimented with it but I dont think that would be a reason since their Netbeans module worked fine.
Basically, don't fret. Eclipse is a very good Java IDE that I personally prefer, and if they do it right then it will be as easy to deploy as it is in Netbeans.
2. They will not be scrapping the FRC API. WPILib may be eventually updated to use the new Java 7/8 features but it will definitely not be done this year. You will have ALL the features of Java 8... but WPILib will not be taking advantage of them. Most likely you won't really notice a problem.
There is no 2015 Eclipse Plugin yet... but if you WANT to see what it is like using WPILib in Eclipse, there is still the download link from the experimental 2011 Eclipse Plugin that you could try, but realize you will have to install the 2015 plugin later anyway.
If you go into Eclipse, go to Help -> Install New Software and click where it says "type or select a site" and paste the following:
FRC -
http://first.wpi.edu/FRC/java/eclipse/update/
The whole thing, including the "FRC - " part
When you see an item in the list below, check it, click "Next" and follow instructions.
Note: From my experience, this version will install it in EVERY PROJECT in the workspace... so I recommend making a separate Robotics workspace.
3. For general learning... For a general overview with a bit of insight:
Bucky's Beginner Java
Bucky's Intermediate Java
For more insight:
Derek Banas On Youtube
I mean... generally I recommend looking at Source Code on GitHub. My Personal GitHub is
https://github.com/Matt529 but some of my projects can be beyond the scope of FIRST. Specifically just look for FRC Bots on GitHub
Unfortunately there are no real FIRST Robotics tutorials on YouTube. The best way is to just look for Source Code that is documented and just chew through it and ask questions. A lot of the WPILib necessities can be found at
Screen Steps Live for 2014 FRC Programming.
If you ever have questions relating to Java or FIRST Robotics Programming, feel free to contact me! I won't bite! I basically teach Programming and Game Design at my school, I have patience
.