Week 1: Setup

Welcome to the first week of software training! This week is all about getting your computer ready for the season and setting up your GitHub account. You'll probably also spend time this week on other things, like icebreakers with your teammates and general 2537 stuff.

Goals for this week:

• Set up your development environment.

• Create and configure your GitHub account.

• Join the team's GitHub organization.

Tasks:

1. Computer Setup

WPILib

1. Download the latest release from WPILib Releases

2. Look for "WPILib_Windows-[YEAR].[VERSION].iso"

3. Run the installer:

   • Choose "Everything" when prompted for installation type

   • Install for all users

   • Accept default installation directory

4. Restart your computer after installation

5. Check that you have VS Code installed!

6. Install the "Prettier for Java" extension in VS Code.

7. Install the "Extension Pack for Java" extension in VS Code.

FRC Game Tools (Windows-only)

1. Download from the NI FRC Software page

2. You'll need to create a National Instruments account

3. Install in this order:

   • NI Package Manager

   • FRC Game Tools

   • Note: Install this on team Driver Station PCs (Windows) used to enable the robot.

4. During installation:

   • Accept all defaults

   • Install any additional requirements if prompted

   • You may need to restart multiple times

Common Issues

WPILib Installation

• If the ISO doesn't mount automatically, right-click and select "Mount"

• Installation might take 30+ minutes, this is normal

• If installation fails, try running as administrator

FRC Game Tools

• Must be installed with administrator privileges

• Requires Windows 10 or newer

• May need to disable antivirus temporarily during installation

Getting Help

If you encounter any issues during setup:

1. Check the WPILib Installation Guide

2. Ask in the team's Slack channel

3. Contact a software lead or mentor for assistance

2. GitHub Setup

• All Members:

  • Create a GitHub account if you don't have one already. Sign up here.

  • Add a profile picture and your real name to your profile. This helps us identify you.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account security.

  • Join the team's GitHub organization. You will receive an invitation link.

  • Sign in to GitHub in VS Code.

Additional Reading

• What is WPILib?

• VS Code Basics

What's Next?

Once you have completed all the setup tasks, you are ready for Week 2, where we will start diving into using Git and getting a first look at Java!