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Unread 11-09-2007, 21:05
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DonRotolo DonRotolo is offline
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Re: How important is Linux?

Before I start: I'm not well-qualified to comment. But that never stopped me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Flowerday View Post
(other than the "gee whiz" reasons
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Pierce View Post
I suspect that many of the Linux fans might be disappointed to find that using a version of linux suitable for a robot controller will not feel much like the Linux they use on their desktop computers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Astronouth7303 View Post
At this time, FIRST robots do not (generally) meet complexity requirements to justify an RTOS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamHeard View Post
I think many teams will expand their programming to fill the capabilities of the new system, whatever they may be.
I apologize for the many quotes, but to me they tell a story.

All of the HS kids I met who demanded Linux for their devel system could not really give a good reason, other than "it's not MS" (Dave's point kinda). Arguments of stability or 'openness' don't fly with me. So, Linux as RTOS in the RC wouldn't make a lot of sense for these folks, as it would look foreign (Mark's point).

The latter points are right on - FIRST robots are not sophisticated partly because the teams program to the current RCs capabilities. Increase capacity and you will see more sophisticated robots. So, the more power the better, IMHO.

On the other hand, if we consider a FIRST robot a learning tool, I would rather see lower-level programming than higher-level. But, considering the range of capabilities out there, Easy C is pretty high level (or can be if you let it). And, it is needed.

Conclusion: An RTOS might be great, it does not have to be Linux, the dev tools are what carry the greatest weight for me.

Don

PS:
Quote:
Originally Posted by lynca View Post
To get more people involved with programming robots from their personal computer , FIRST must have a robot simulator.
Now THAT would be worthwhile, but that's a topic for a new thread
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