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Getting Ready to Code

There are built-in resources in VEXcode EXP available to help you get started coding. You can access Tutorial Videos, Help, or Example Projects to learn more about things like saving, downloading, and running your project, how to use a specific block, or getting started with a project.

Tutorial Videos

To access tutorials, select the 'Tutorials' icon in the VEXcode EXP Toolbar, as shown here.

The following tutorial videos may be helpful to get started with this Unit: 

  • Getting Started
  • Naming and Saving Your Project
  • Download and Run a Project

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the Tutorials icon called out in a red box, to the right of the File menu.

Built-in Help

To access Help, first select the 'Help' icon in VEXcode EXP, as shown here.

Then, select a block or command to learn more about it.

The Help feature offers block or command-specific information, including things like how they can be used in a project.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the Help icon called out in a red box, to the right of the Console.

Example Projects

To access Example Projects, select 'File', then 'Open Examples', as shown here.

For a beginning project to help you get started coding, you can use an Example Project. Example Projects include Templates for different VEX EXP builds, as well as sample projects for a variety of features and functions. 

In this Unit, the following Template example project can be used: 

  • Clawbot (Drivetrain 2-motor)

 

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the File menu open, and Open Examples selected with a red box. 'Open Examples' is the fifth item in the menu, beneath 'New Blocks Project', 'New Text Project', 'Open', and 'Open Recent'.

What is Next?

Watch the following animation to learn more about what you will be doing in the next Lesson.

In this Lesson, you built the ClawBot and charged your Battery. 

In the next Lesson, you will:

  • Learn how to open and close the claw to pick up and release Treasure Buckyballs using the [Spin for] block.

  • Use Drivetrain blocks to drive and turn the Clawbot.

  • Compete in the Lesson 2 challenge!

In the animation to the left, the Clawbot begins in the lower left corner opposite the first Buckyball. It drives to grasp and deliver each of the Buckyballs on the Field from the far wall to the near wall, completing the task in about 27 seconds.

Select < Return to Lessons to go back to the Lesson Overview.

Select Next Lesson > to continue to Lesson 2, and learn how to use the claw to pick up and release Buckyballs.

<  Back <  Return to Lessons Next Lesson  >