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Unread 18-01-2005, 11:49
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ShadowKnight ShadowKnight is offline
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Re: 'Fix It Window' and Programming....

Inside the FIX-IT-WINDOW, software dev is still permitted, though I got the impression that you were implying the time frame following the conclusion of the FIX-IT-WINDOW.

That issue is raised in <R14> stating, "After the close of the "FIX-IT-WINDOW" and prior to the competition...and cease all software development..." This becomes a question of semantics, what defines software development. If, for instance, a team builds a practice robot and uploads a copy of the software thatis on the competition bot to the practice robot, modifies it, perfects it, then uses the knowledge and experience gained by testing and debuging to refine the functions in the competition code, does this constitute as software development? Some would say it most definately does, and I would not neccesarily be willing to disagree.

However, there is another side to this coin. The rule also states, "Teams may scout...plan to make repairs, etc..." One could argue that working on code using a testbed, making notes to modify the code, then re-inventing the wheel, would constitute as "planning ot make repairs." Getting technical, I'm more inclined to agree with the second argument, however I don't know if this question has yet come up on the FIRST Q&A and if so, what, if any, official statement has been made.

The problem becomes even more confusing with FIRST's overt encouragement of practice robots. This stance leads me to believe that FIRST encourages testing with the robot, including the software, to your hearts content, as long as you re-invent the wheel so to speak at competion. Ultimately, it comes down to what is the gracious professional action. Use common sense.
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Last edited by ShadowKnight : 18-01-2005 at 11:53.