Programming the Robot

[Urmyperson]

Hii, our team is using a microbit and I was wondering since the rules do not allow access to web browsers to program are we allowed to download the page and use the offline software version on the usb to program the robot, or do we have to Download an IDE and use C++ to code the Robot?? This is my first time having to code without block based or python so I’m not very familiar with IDES or C++ and how they work? Thanks you very much!!

[brian9640]

Arduino does offer a Python programming IDE (https://labs.arduino.cc/en/labs/micropython) for the Arduino hardware. I have not researched if the Microbit hardware is supported by this version of Arduino's IDE.

Otherwise you may need to use the Arduino's standard C++ IDE software. Since you are familiar with Python, you could try writing your program in Python then using an online convertor for Python to C++. It may not be perfect, but should give you a jump start on using C++.

[knightmoves]

The rules do not specify a required IDE or language - just that you may only open the one "program file" (which may be any number of actual files) that you had stored on the USB, edit it, and then build and download the program to the robot.

So yes, I don't see why you could not use the offline MakeCode app as your IDE. It's not something I've used, but I think it is capable of the necessary actions: you can open ("import") a project from a usb drive on your computer, edit the project, and download to the microbit.

Actually, perhaps there's a problem. The IDE has a built-in simulator, and I don't know whether you can configure that not to run. You might accidentally break rule 6d(i).

[Urmyperson]

Yes I did notice the stimulator, however I was also able to find a different software without the stimulator so I am thinking about using that one. Thank you so much for your input!!! I greatly appreciate it!

[rbose02]

I have bought the mbot ranger for my son who is participating in this event. He has built the robot but is using makeblock ide for scratch with Arduino programming. Is that allowed? He will need makeblock ti modify his code in the tournament.