Thread: Using A Scripting Language To Script Robot Behaviour
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Unread 08-06-2010, 08:20
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Re: Using A Scripting Language To Script Robot Behaviour
Quote:
Originally Posted by StevenB View Post
Try asking that to the developers of Python, Ruby, MATLAB, PHP, Tcl, Perl, JavaScript, and Lisp. Why? Because its faster and easier to develop code in a scripting language...
Let's all remember that there are some tasks well suited to opening "a Python shell, and start hacking away.", and there are others which absolutely are not.

Getting an FRC robot onto Einstein might be one that is, or it might not.

Don't get me wrong - I do plenty of hacking. Saying that hacking is bad is not my point.

Here is what I suggest you focus on: A good programmer will know how to succeed at both styles of coding, and will be wise enough to know the differences between them, and to know when each is appropriate/useful.

Students - Learn enough about both styles, and be comfortable in either.

An FRC robot can be a useful place to learn about either approach. Both approaches have advantages; and it is a sign of wisdom to be able to see past slogans and superficial differences when talking about either.

Blake
PS: So - What is a time when hacking away in a scripting language, is absolutely not the right approach? How about when my life is on the line in an airplane that uses the resulting code. What about in an FRC robot? Maybe. Assess and balance the risks and the rewards.
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Last edited by gblake : 08-06-2010 at 08:24.