diff --git a/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx b/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx index 9999245..bc62076 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/getting-started/intro-to-prog.mdx @@ -1,8 +1,24 @@ --- title: Intro to Programming -description: Coming soon! +description: An Introduction to what is 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. This means that Java uses objects to organize different types of information and actions. Java is also the most common programming language used in FRC which why FRCSoftware teaches FRC programming in Java. + + +## 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. +In FRC, teams also program autonomous features for the autonomous portion of the game. In autonomous, points are typically 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..d1e54eb 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/getting-started/required-tools.mdx @@ -5,19 +5,25 @@ 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. 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