How would I make it so that I can press one button to turn motors on and off in python?

[oneirophobia]

I need to do this because my driver would prefer it that way and it would be better for match loads, and I just can’t figure it out

[jpearman]

@Gigahertz.t

This is in c++, but it is a lot neater than my pseudocode. Hopefully the general idea can help you. There may be some semicolons missing, or maybe I forgot a loop or two, but other pro forumers can correct me.

I do wish “forumers” would not post code that is obviously untested and incorrect in many ways.

[Gigahertz.t]

Sorry, I’ll try to do better next time.

[jpearman]

I know my reply was harsh, but sometimes just posting the concept is better than posting code that is incorrect. OP will copy your code and find it does not work, then we have to explain why. When posting code it’s better to take a few minutes and write a working example.

C++ example to toggle a motor using an event handler

/*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
/*                                                                            */
/*    Module:       main.cpp                                                  */
/*    Author:       james                                                     */
/*    Created:      1/10/2024, 2:32:15 PM                                     */
/*    Description:  V5 project                                                */
/*                                                                            */
/*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
#include "vex.h"

using namespace vex;

// A global instance of vex::brain used for printing to the V5 brain screen
vex::brain       Brain;
vex::controller  c1;

// define your global instances of motors and other devices here
vex::motor       cata(PORT20);

// event handler that toggles state of a motor
// and keeps track of the motor state using a boolean variable.
void
cataToggle() {
    static  bool bState = false;

    if(bState) {
      cata.stop();
      bState = false;
    }
    else {
      cata.spin(forward, 100, rpm);
      bState = true;
    }
}

int main() {
    // register a button event, do this in main
    c1.ButtonA.pressed(cataToggle);
   
    while(1) {        
        // Allow other tasks to run
        this_thread::sleep_for(10);
    }
}

Python example to toggle a motor using an event handler

# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
#                                                                              #
# 	Module:       main.py                                                      #
# 	Author:       james                                                        #
# 	Created:      1/10/2024, 2:37:03 PM                                        #
# 	Description:  V5 project                                                   #
#                                                                              #
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- #

# Library imports
from vex import *

# Brain should be defined by default
brain=Brain()

c1=Controller()
cata=Motor(Ports.PORT20)

# event handler to toggle state of the cata motor
# when controller button is pressed
cata_state = False
def cata_toggle():
    global cata_state
    if cata_state:
        cata.stop()
        cata_state = False
    else:
        cata.spin(FORWARD, 100, RPM)
        cata_state = True

# register the event handler
c1.buttonA.pressed(cata_toggle)