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Intro to Programming #7

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Added Intro text
Adrianamm Mar 11, 2026
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Adrianamm Mar 11, 2026
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Filled out the required tools to match goals
Adrianamm Apr 26, 2026
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21 changes: 19 additions & 2 deletions src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx
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---
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
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@samfreund samfreund Mar 13, 2026 •
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FIRST Robotics Competition, teams also program autonomous features for the autonomous portion of the game. In autonomous, points are doubled
FIRST Robotics Competition, teams also program autonomous features for the portion of the game where robots drive themselves. In autonomous, points are typically doubled

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It felt we were saying autonomous too many times here

so it's important to have code written which allows the robot to score points using preprogrammed instructions.

19 changes: 13 additions & 6 deletions src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx
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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.
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