Programming Review

Digital Inputs in Vex

Bump Switch, Limit Switch, Optical Shaft Encoder, Ultrasonic Range Finder

Digital Outputs in Vex

LED

Analog Inputs in Vex

Light Sensor, Potentiometer, Line Follower

Normally Open vs

Normally Open is off by default, pathway broken; Normally Closed is on by default

Syntax in Programming

Rules controlling the structure of symbols, punctuation, and words in a programming language

Basic Behavior

Single command to a robot (e.g., start a motor)

Simple Behavior

Robot performs a simple task (e.g., fan stops when sensor is activated)

Complex Behavior

Robot performs a complex task (e.g., automate fan control)

Pseudocode

Describing behaviors in short phrases without concern for syntax or specific commands

Comments in Programming

Notes for human programmers in code, made with // for single line or /* */ for multi-line

Reserved Word in Robot C

Word with specific meaning in Robot C, e.g., startMotor

Boolean Logic

Decisions based on true or false answers, with statements that are either true or false

If Else Statements

Condition-based execution where commands run if condition is true, ignored if false

While Statements

Repeating a section of code as long as a condition remains true

Timers in Robot C

Internal stopwatches running in milliseconds, cleared before use

Variables

Initialized with an initial value, typically declared and initialized in a single statement

Counters

Used to run a loop a specific number of times, changing the count value

Functions

Grouping lines of code, referenced in task main or other functions

Parts of a Function

Declaration (before task main), Definition (after main program), Call (in the main program)

Open Loop System

Non-feedback system depending on input or timed loop

Closed Loop System

Uses feedback (sensor) for self-correction, more accurate and predictable.