As most people have noticed by now, it’s been a while since the last update to VEX Coding Studio. We understand your frustration, but due to some unforeseen issues the next release is still not quite ready for the public.
That being said, we’ve heard many of your concerns. We’re happy to announce that we’ve been working with Robomatter to create a new, text-only programming software named VEXcode. We have realized that many of the advanced text editing features that our users need do not fit in the model of VCS. By creating a separate environment for C++, we can add these advanced features without affecting the users that are comfortable with VCS.
While version 1.0 is still not quite ready for a public release, we still wanted to get a fully functional preview version in the hands of our users to hear your feedback and keep you informed about our ongoing efforts to improve the VEX programming experience. The preview version can be downloaded here:
PC - https://link.vex.com/vexcode-preview-pc
Mac - https://link.vex.com/vexcode-preview-mac
A few additional notes about this release:
- This preview is a fully functional text-only V5 coding tool. This uses the standard C++ language and V5 API.
- Autocomplete is functional but will continue to improve in future releases.
- Real time syntax error detection and suggestions are still being improved.
- Robot configuration is currently text only.
- This preview is for Windows and macOS.
- The first New Project screen is a placeholder and will be replaced with a more complete Home screen.
- The current visual theme is dark only.
Please use this thread to post your questions and comments. Your feedback and ideas will be used to influence all future development directions for VEXcode during the preview phase.
Description
VEXcode is a text-only programming environment built specifically for VEX robots. It incorporates all of the code editing tools programmers need to efficiently build and maintain complicated robotics projects. VEXcode is for VEX competitors and students alike and is based on the same coding environment and tools that professional programmers use.
- Computers only (no tablets).
- Text only (no graphical code blocks).
- Simple, intuitive, and feature rich.
VEXcode is intended for experienced programmers who are comfortable with file management. The user interface is simple, yet powerful. The text editor is front and center with all of the advanced tools needed to bring your project to life. Users can easily create, compile, download, and monitor robot programs. All project related files, including source files, are stored on the user’s local storage device. This allows users to incorporate these files into the software version control system of their choice. VEXcode even offers built-in VEXos firmware updates, no longer requiring users to use separate programs.
VEXcode is built on Monaco, the same platform as Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code. Using Monaco will allow VEX to add more features and fix issues faster than ever before. Future releases will add support for Chromebooks, GitHub, and will also add more languages.
Screenshots
Editor with split screen
Autocomplete
Peek to definition, then Go to definition
Features
General
- Free
- VEX V5 Hardware
- Windows and macOS
- [future release] Chromebooks support
- C, C++
- [future release] Python, javascript
- Competition templates
Text Editor
- Autocomplete
- Auto indent
- Syntax coloring
- Bracket matching
- Code Collapsing
- Split View (multiple files at once)
- Find and Replace
- Undo/Redo
- Goto Definition
- Peek to Definition
- Real time syntax errors, suggestions
- Code Clean Up (Format Code)
- [future release] Bright theme
VEX Vision Sensor
- Integrated Vision Utility
- Automatic Vision Sensor code generation File Management
File Management
- Files Saved Locally
- Files Saved Automatically (on Build)
- Standard Code Extensions
(.cpp, .h, .c …) - Solution File for Project Settings
- Import (C++).VEX files from VCS
- Create New Projects from Templates
- Create New Projects from Examples
Build Process
- Integrated with the latest VEX SDK
- Automatic SDK Updates
- Integrated compiler and linker
- Compiler Logs (Errors, Warnings)
- Customizable build scripts
Download
- Wired Downloading
- Debug Log from User Program
- Wireless via V5 Controller
- [future release] Wireless via Bluetooth
VEXos
- Automatic VEXos updater
- Integrated VEXos diagnostic tools
- Read event logs from the brain
- Generate tech support system report
Support Documentation
Find help to get started with VEXcode via the VEX Robotics Knowledge Base at https://help.vex.com
Installing VEXcode:
- https://help.vex.com/article/197-how-to-install-vexcode-windows
- https://help.vex.com/article/199-how-to-install-vexcode-mac
Creating / Opening / Importing Programs:
- https://help.vex.com/article/189-how-to-create-a-new-program-in-vexcode
- https://help.vex.com/article/191-how-to-open-example-programs-in-vexcode
- https://help.vex.com/article/192-how-to-import-vex-files-in-vexcode
Configuring Devices:
- https://help.vex.com/article/193-how-to-add-new-files-in-vexcode
- https://help.vex.com/article/195-robot-config-smart-motor-vexcode
- https://help.vex.com/article/196-robot-config-vision-sensor-vexcode
Building and Downloading Your Project: