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What is C++ Programming?

In order to control your robot, you will be creating projects in C++ in VEXcode V5. This is a text-based programming language based on C++ and it uses text and special syntax to write the instructions which ultimately tell the robot what to do. If you worked with block-based programming before, such as VEXcode V5 Blocks, these text instructions are replacing the blocks.

An instruction is an entire line within the project. The instruction can contain portions of information for the device, the command, the parameters. The image below shows an instruction with each of these portions outlined.

Line of C++ code with each term labeled. The highlighted line of code reads Drivetrain.driveFor(200,mm); with Drivetrain labeled as the Device, driveFor labeled as the Command, and (200, mm) labeled as the Parameters.

It’s important to remember specific rules for writing instructions in VEXcode V5 C++. For example, capitalization has specific rules within instructions. Devices are capitalized, but the commands must be in camel case.

For more information on how to format the grammar and syntax, click here. It’s also helpful to remember that there is help available within VEXcode V5 C++. Review how to access this help in C++.

Teacher Tips icon Teacher Tips

  • To familiarize yourself with the other VEXcode V5 help articles available, navigate here.

  • Consider reviewing the organization of articles with students if they are not as familiar with working in VEXcode V5 C++.