Setting Up Your Computer for FRC Java Programming

1. Install Java SE 8

Make sure the correct version of Java SE 8 is installed. You will need the JDK (Java Software Development Kit); the current version is JDK 8u101.

The installation can be found on ​Oracle's site. Make sure to accept the license agreement, or it won't let you download.

2. Install Git (if not already installed on your PC)

• Download from ​here

3. Install Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VSC)

• Follow the ​instructions on ScreenstepsLive to download and install ​VSC and the needed extensions as well as the latest ​WPILib VSC extension
• ScreenstepsLive instructions on using are ​here
• Note: the 2015-2018 Seasons used Eclipse instead of VSC; see instructions for installing here

4. Installing CAN Talon stuff

Some of the intelligent FRC peripherals communicate with the roboRIO over a local CAN network. These peripherals have their own microprocessors and require installation of additional software from the manufacturer (Cross The Road Electronics).

• Download and install the Phoenix Installer from ​here

Legacy (pre-2018) FRC development used the Eclipse IDE and you needed to install the CTRE libraries differently:

1. Install the Talon SRX libraries:

• Download the Cantalon libraries from ​http://www.ctr-electronics.com//downloads/lib/CTRE_FRCLibs_NON-WINDOWS_v4.4.1.9.zip (up to date as of 1/14/17)
• Merge the java/lib folder in the archive with the WIPLib lib folder. This should be in C:\Documents and Settings\[user]\wpilib on Windows or your home folder on Linux. If you use Mac OS X, you're going to have to install a decent operating system on your computer.

2. Creating a FRC Java Project

1. In Eclipse, right-click in the open space in the Package Explorer and select New >, and then inside the sub-menu that pops up, select Project.... Selecting Java Project... will not work.
2. Under WPILib Robot Java Development, select Robot Java Project.
3. After clicking next, if creating a FRC Java Project for the first time, there will be a prompt for team number. Enter

   2537
   

4. In the next screen, specify a unique, identifiable project name, preferably one that will not be confused with other, similar projects. Enter in a new, custom package hierarchy or leave the default.
5. Choose a project template:
   1. Iterative - cyclic program execution; your code is repeated every 20 ms
   2. Command-Based - event-driven program execution
   3. Simple - DO NOT USE
6. Click Finish.