diff --git a/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx b/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx index 9999245..4b3b121 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx @@ -1,8 +1,25 @@ --- title: Intro to Programming -description: Coming soon! +description: An Introduction to programming and how it's used in FRC prev: false next: getting-started/required-tools --- -Coming soon! +## What is Programming? +Programming is when you give instructions to a computer. However, the instructions are written in a language that the computer can read +and understand. These languages are programming languages and there are many different types that have different or sometimes +similar usages. In FRC, Java, C++ and Python are three programming languages that are used to program robots. + + +## What is Java? +Java is also an object-oriented programming language, which means its work is done by having objects that different actions, +or functions, are called on. Java is also the most common programming language used in FRC which is why FRCSoftware in Java. +For FRC teams that use Java, learning Java is first step for learning how to program a robot. + +## Why Program in FRC? +In FIRST Robotics, robots are made out of many mechanisms. They have drive trains, flywheels, arms, intakes, elevators, etc. Programming is +important in FIRST Robotics because code is used to program motors, and sensors which allows those different mechanisms to move. Teams can use +sensors on a motor to deploy an intake, program the intake’s motor to spin so it can pick up a foam ball, program a drive train, etc. +FIRST Robotics Competition, teams also program autonomous features for the autonomous portion of the game. In autonomous, points are doubled +so it's important to have code written which allows the robot to score points using preprogrammed instructions. + diff --git a/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx b/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx index c41b099..6b85559 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx @@ -5,19 +5,26 @@ prev: getting-started/intro-to-prog next: false --- +To program an FRC Robot and follow along with this website, you need WPILib tools, Git and a Github account. + + ## WPILib tools +The first tool that needs to be installed is the WPILib tool package. WPILib’s tool package includes a version of VSCode that allows teams to write code and deploy it to their robot. +Therefore, it is important to install. To do so, follow the instructions linked [here](https://docs.wpilib.org/en/stable/docs/zero-to-robot/step-2/wpilib-setup.html). -The first tool that needs to be installed is the WPILib tool package. To do so, follow the -instructions linked [here](https://docs.wpilib.org/en/stable/docs/zero-to-robot/step-2/wpilib-setup.html). +The WPILib tool package also includes different programs that are useful for data logging, simulation, dashboards, and more. We will use some of these tools in later stages. -If you intend to control a physical robot, you may also need to install the game tools. Instructions can be found [here](https://docs.wpilib.org/en/stable/docs/zero-to-robot/step-2/frc-game-tools.html), -but this is not necessary at this point in time. +### Driver Station +If you intend to control a physical robot, you may also need to install the game tools. This installs the Driver Station, a program that is used to connect to the robot in order to run it. +Instructions can be found [here](https://docs.wpilib.org/en/stable/docs/zero-to-robot/step-2/frc-game-tools.html), but this is not necessary at this point in time. ## git - +The next tool is Git. Git is a version control system that keeps track of changes that have been made to a program. It is used in FRC because it allows teams to keep track of changes made to the robot’s code throughout +the build and competition season. It can also help teams manage their robot code using the different features that Git has. Git can be installed using the instructions located [here](https://git-scm.com/install/). ## Creating a GitHub account +Github is a website that uses Git and allows people to collaborate on a program. It’s used in FRC for that reason. -For many of the lessons on this website, it will be necessary to have a GitHub account. One can be can be created [here](https://github.com/signup). +For many of the lessons on this website, it will be necessary to have a GitHub account. One can be created [here](https://github.com/signup). It's also recommended to sign up for the [GitHub student developer pack](https://education.github.com/pack), this will give you access to a variety of resources. \ No newline at end of file