Programmers: I Have A Challenge For You

[ptan]

Originally Posted by Foster

You must be new around here

I'm a big fan of the "Stand on the Shoulders of Giants (tm)" I like to use other peoples ideas/products/code/etc. to get started.
...

Agreed.

As an Engineer, I can definitely state that in the Real World, you have to build on what other people have done. I don't see anything wrong with doing that in school or robotics competitions.

This reminds me of one of the Science Exhibits I once saw titled: Baking an Apple Pie from Scratch.

Step 1: Create the Universe
Step 2: Create Life on Earth
Step 3: Create Apple Trees
Step 4: ...

The point is, you have to start somewhere. Don't be too arrogant as to think that just because you didn't invent it, it is not useful.