http://robowiki.net/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Gbq57&feedformat=atomRobowiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T06:54:03ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.34.1http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Robocode/Developers_Guide_for_building_Robocode&diff=23519Robocode/Developers Guide for building Robocode2012-02-12T00:32:15Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>This guide describes how to build the Robocode game using [http://www.eclipse.org Eclipse].<br />
<br />
This guide is valid from Robocode version 1.7. If you want to build older versions of Robocode you must use the old version of the developer's guide available [[Robocode/Old Developers Guide for building Robocode|here]].<br />
<br />
== Developer's Guide for building Robocode using Eclipse ==<br />
<br />
=== Notice ===<br />
<br />
This guide is intended for experienced Java developers who want to work on the Robocode game itself. This guide describes all the basic stuff in order to compile and run Robocode using the Eclipse IDE.<br />
<br />
If you just want to browse the sources, you can do it [http://code.google.com/p/robocode/source/browse/ here] or you can download the zipped sources from [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=37202&package_id=218677 here].<br />
<br />
=== Introduction ===<br />
<br />
All sources of Robocode are available in the [http://code.google.com/p/robocode/source/browse/ SVN Repository] for the [http://sourceforge.net/projects/robocode Robocode project] on SourceForge (SF). You can read about how to access the SVN Repository for Robocode [http://code.google.com/p/robocode/source/checkout here]. Subversion (SVN) 1.5 is being used as the Version Control System used for Robocode.<br />
<br />
Basically, all you need is the sources of Robocode, which can be downloaded as a .zip file or downloaded from the Subversion repository, and [http://maven.apache.org/ Maven] installed. Maven is being used in order to build everything in the Robocode project. However, if you want to work with the sources of Robocode, you might of course want to use an IDE for compiling and run Robocode on the fly to see the effect of your work.<br />
<br />
Batch files and shell scripts are provided for building Robocode under Windows and Linux (including Mac OS X). These scripts have been developed for Windows XP/Vista and Ubuntu 8.10 (Linux). Please notice that the Linux setup should also work for e.g. Solaris, FreeBSD etc.<br />
<br />
=== What skills do you need? ===<br />
<br />
* Eclipse ([https://eclipse-tutorial.dev.java.net/ Eclipse tutorial])<br />
* Subversion ([http://svnbook.red-bean.com/ Subversion book])<br />
* Maven ([http://maven.apache.org/guides/getting-started/maven-in-five-minutes.html Maven in 5 Minutes])<br />
<br />
This guide is focusing on how to build and run Robocode using the [http://www.eclipse.org/ Eclipse], which is supported by Robocode. Eclipse is a very popular IDE that comes free of charge, and which supports SVN access to the sources, a rich source code editor, automatic compilation, has a big supporting community, lot's of plugins, and much much more.<br />
<br />
This guide assumes that you have some basic knowledge about how to download, install and use Eclipse. Hence, this guide will not teach you how to use Eclipse, but rather focus on how to build Robocode within Eclipse. The same applies to other tools used within this guide.<br />
<br />
Please notice that you do not have to be an expert in Eclipse, Subversion, and Maven. But you need some basic knowledge about these in order to understand how to build Robocode. In fact, trying to build Robocode might actually be a very good way of learning these tools, if you don't know them already or miss some practical experience with these.<br />
<br />
You don't have to worry too much about how to setup Eclipse for Robocode as the provided sources in SVN contains all configuration files needed by Eclipse. Some of these files are generated using Maven's build-in support for Eclipse. However, you still need to do some basic pre-configuration of Eclipse before you'll be able to get started with working on Robocode. You should only need to set up a workspace for Robocode once. However, you will need to update the sources from SVN once in a while and merge these with your local changes in order to keep up-to-date with the current versions of Robocode - at least if you work on the trunk/head branch of the Robocode sources.<br />
<br />
=== Software Requirements ===<br />
<br />
'''Required:'''<br />
* Sun JDK 5.0 ([http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index_jdk5.jsp download]).<br />
* Eclipse Classic 3.4.1 or newer ([http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/ download]).<br />
* A Subversion client like TortoiseSVN 1.5.7 or newer ([http://tortoisesvn.net/downloads download]) (for Windows) ... or CollabNet Subversion Command-Line Client v1.5.5 ([http://www.collab.net/downloads/subversion/ download]) for Windows and Linux.<br />
<br />
'''Highly Recommended:'''<br />
* [http://www.eclipse.org/subversive/ Eclipse Subversive] 0.7.3 or newer (installation procedure described later) or [http://subclipse.tigris.org/ Subclipse] 1.4.7 or newer (installation procedure is not described in this guide).<br />
<br />
==== Install Sun JDK 5.0 ====<br />
<br />
First you must ensure that the Sun JDK 5.0 is available on your system. If not, you need to install Sun JDK 5.0 before installing Eclipse, which requires a JDK. Please notice that you must install the '''JDK''' (Java Developer Kit), and ''not'' just the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) as the JRE is insufficient for building Robocode.<br />
<br />
It is important that the Java vendor is '''Sun''' in order to guarantee that you'll not run into some unexpected problems when using the Java compiler etc. Most problems caused by building Robocode (and when compiling robots for Robocode) is caused by Java versions from another vendor than Sun. Also make sure that you use '''version 5.0''' of the JDK, not a never version like e.g. the JDK 6. Otherwise. you'll not be able to build the sources of Robocode - at least not without fixing all the compiler errors due to the switch from Java 5.0 into Java 6.<br />
<br />
When installing the JDK, it is highly recommended that you '''install the sources provided for Java''' as these are very useful when debugging inside Robocode. However, this is not a requirement.<br />
<br />
==== Set the Environment Settings for Java ====<br />
<br />
You must set up the environment variable named '''JAVA_HOME''' in your system environment, e.g. <code>JAVA_HOME="C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.5.0_16"</code> (on Windows) or <code>JAVA_HOME="/usr/local/Java/jdk1.5.0_16"</code> (on Linux). In addition, you must add JAVA_HOME\bin (on Windows) to your '''PATH''' environment variable, e.g. <code>PATH=%PATH%;%JAVA_HOME%\bin</code> (on Windows), and <code>PATH=$PATH:$JAVA_HOME/bin</code> (on Linux). This must be done as Maven is depending on the JAVA_HOME environment variable, and must know where to locate the JDK.<br />
<br />
If you want more information of how to set up your JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables for your specific OS, please read the installation notes provided for the Sun JDK 5.0 here:<br />
<br />
'''Installation Notes from Sun:'''<br />
* [http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/install.html Java Platform Installation]: Find installation notes for Windows, Linux, and Solaris.<br />
* [http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/system-configurations.html Supported System Configurations]: Find the installation notes for ''all'' supported systems.<br />
<br />
==== Install Eclipse ====<br />
<br />
When the Sun JDK 5.0 is ready on your system, you must install the Eclipse 3.4 if it is not available on your system already. Please notice that older versions of Eclipse, like e.g. Eclipse 3.2 provided with Ubuntu 8.10, will not work with the setup used in this guideline. Consult the installation notes provided for Eclipse in order to find out how to install Eclipse 3.4 for your specific OS.<br />
<br />
==== Create a workspace for Robocode ====<br />
<br />
The first time you start up Eclipse it will ask for a directory for your workspace. I suggest that you create a workspace named '''robocode-workspace''' or similar and create the workspace on a partition or directory like e.g. <code>C:</code> (on Windows) or <code>~</code> (on Linux) - or any other directory of your choice. If you have already got a workspace, e.g. the default one suggested by Eclipse, you can create a new workspace if you wish by selecting 'File' -> 'Switch Workspace' -> 'Other...' from the menu.<br />
<br />
==== Use Subversive or Subclipse ====<br />
<br />
The next step (which is optional) is to install [http://www.eclipse.org/subversive/ Subversive] or [http://subclipse.tigris.org/ Subclipse] into Eclipse in order to get direct access to the sources of Robocode in the SVN repository. Notice, you'll only have read access to the sources. Also notice, that you don't have to install the Subversive or Subclipse as long as you use another Subversion client. However, it makes life easier when you work within Eclipse.<br />
<br />
I recommend you to use Subversive that has proven to be very stable within Eclipse 3.4.1. In the following you can read how to install Subversive into Eclipse.<br />
<br />
==== How to install Subversive ====<br />
<br />
In order to install Subversive into Eclipse, you can choose between using the Update Site or Archived Update Site. You can get more information [http://www.polarion.com/products/svn/subversive.php?src=eclipseproject here]. You'll need to install:<br />
<br />
* Subversive SVN Team Provider Plugin 0.7.3 or newer.<br />
* SVNKit 1.2.0 or newer, which is a Subversive SVN Connector. At least one Subversive SVN Connector is required. Note that you might gain speed by using another SVN Connector like e.g. the Native JavaHL 1.5.0 or never.<br />
<br />
In the following, we will use the Update Site for installing Subversive:<br />
<br />
# In Eclipse you must select 'Help' -> 'Software Updates...'' from the menu.<br />
# Then you select the 'Available Software' tab<br />
# Press the 'Add Site...' button, and enter http://download.eclipse.org/technology/subversive/0.7/update-site/ into the text field and press OK or enter. Notice, that this update site might change, so might have to get the updated URL to the Update Site from [http://www.polarion.com/products/svn/subversive.php?src=eclipseproject here].<br />
## Unfold the site you just added and put a checkmark in the 'Subversive SVN Team Provider Plugin'.<br />
# Again, press the 'Add Site...' button, and enter http://www.polarion.org/projects/subversive/download/eclipse/2.0/update-site/ into the text field and press OK or enter. Notice, that this update site might change, so might have to get the updated URL to the Update Site from [http://www.polarion.com/products/svn/subversive.php?src=eclipseproject here].<br />
## Unfold the site you just added and put a checkmark in the 'SVNKit 1.2.0' or 'JavaHL 1.5.0' (or never versions) under the 'Subversive SVN Connectors' tree (you can also use a newer version of the SVN Connector of course).<br />
# Press 'Install' and follow the instruction given by Eclipse to install the plugins. It will ask if you wish to restart Eclipse, and I recommend you to answer 'yes' in order to restart Eclipse.<br />
# Now, Subversive is ready to be used.<br />
<br />
=== Setup the Robocode workspace step by step ===<br />
<br />
In the following steps I assume that you now have the JDK, Eclipse, TortoiseSVN or CollabNet Subversion, and Subversive or Subversion up and running. I also assume that the current workspace is set to Robocode workspace; otherwise you should change it to your Robocode workspace. The following steps describes how to setup your workspace for Robocode and how to extract the Robocode sources from the SVN (Subversion).<br />
<br />
==== Checkout sources from the SVN ====<br />
<br />
Remember the workspace you created for Eclipse in an earlier step? Now, you should navigate into this root folder from your desktop, i.e. not from a command prompt or shell. From within the root folder of your robocode workspace you right-click and select 'SVN Checkout'. A window will pop up, and now you must enter the branch of Robocode you want to work on. That would typically be the trunk or head of the sources, which is the main branch containining the newest sources of Robocode. However, you might also want to check of a specific version of Robocode or some other branch available.<br />
<br />
If you want to checkout the sources for the trunk/head, you must use this URL:<br />
http://robocode.googlecode.com/svn/robocode/trunk/<br />
<br />
If you instead want to checkout the sources for a specific Robocode version, you must use this URL:<br />
http://robocode.googlecode.com/svn/robocode/tags/VER_X_X_X<br />
..where X_X_X must be replaced with a real version number, e.g. '1_5_3' for version 1.5.3<br />
<br />
When you have entered or copy-and-pasted the URL into the checkout window you press OK. Now all the sources of the selected branch will be checked out from the SVN.<br />
<br />
==== Preparing command-line tools ====<br />
<br />
In order to make it build Robocode, batch files / shell scripts have been provided to make trivial tasks easier. For example, you don't need to install tools like Maven, Ant, JUnit, Jacobe yourself. You just run 'loadTools' from the command-line, and it will download required files from the Robocode site so you are able to use these tools from script files.<br />
<br />
Hence, you must run the 'loadTools' script from the command line. From a command-promt or shell you must go into the root folder of your robocode workspace. Next you run the loadTools script.<br />
<br />
On Windows:<br />
cd tools<br />
loadTools<br />
<br />
On Linux:<br />
cd ./tools<br />
./loadTools.sh<br />
<br />
==== Preparing your workspace for Eclipse ====<br />
<br />
Next we must prepare your workspace for Eclipse. Eclipse needs the project files, class files, and other configuration files in order order to let you view, edit, and compile Robocode. Maven provides support for using Eclipse with Maven. You can read more about this here:<br />
<br />
* [http://maven.apache.org/guides/mini/guide-ide-eclipse.html Guide to using Eclipse with Maven 2.x]<br />
<br />
I highly recommend you to read this in order to understand how Eclipse and Maven works together.<br />
<br />
First, we need to create all the required Eclipse files, which we do with another Maven command.<br />
<br />
On Windows:<br />
mvn eclipse:eclipse<br />
<br />
On Linux:<br />
./mvn.sh eclipse:eclipse<br />
<br />
Next, you should compile the sources of Robocode in order to have your local Maven repository created and prepared for later.<br />
<br />
On Windows:<br />
mvn compile<br />
<br />
On Linux:<br />
./mvn.sh compile<br />
<br />
Now your Robocode workspace is ready almost ready. You just need to import all the projects into your Eclipse workspace. You do this by starting up Eclipse with your Robocode workspace. From the menu bar you select 'File' -> 'Import...' -> 'Existing Projects into Workspace'. Now select the root directory to be the root path of your Robocode workspace. You should see a list of Robocode project. When you do, you must press 'Finish'.<br />
<br />
==== M2_REPO class path variable ====<br />
<br />
The last thing you need to do is to set up the M2_REPO class path variable for Eclipse, so Eclipse knows where to locate the Maven repository. When building Robocode using Maven, Maven will download all required classes from other sites into this local Maven repository. Hence, Eclipse needs to know the class path for this Maven repository in order to compile all the sources of Robocode. So you need to locate your local Maven repository. Under Windows your Maven repository is put into your %USERPROFILE% directory, and on Linux is put into your home directory (~).<br />
<br />
In Eclipse, you go to the menu bar and select 'Window' -> 'Preferences'. On the Preferences window expand the 'Java' -> 'Build Path' and select the 'Classpath Variables'. On the page for the Classpath Variables, you click on the 'New...' button, and enter ''M2_REPO'' as name. Next, you click on the 'Folder...' button and navigate to where you have your .m2/repository directory located (in %USERPROFILE% under Windows, and ~ under Linux), e.g. <code>H:/Users/Flemming/.m2/repository</code> or <code>/home/fnl/.m2/repository</code>.<br />
<br />
When Eclipse ask you if you want to rebuild the workspace, you select 'Yes' in order to rebuild everything so you are ready to work on Robocode.<br />
<br />
==== How to start Robocode in Eclipse? ====<br />
<br />
When all sources builds without errors (warnings are expected), you are able to launch Robocode. You do this by selecting 'Run' -> 'Run Configurations...' from th Menu. On the window that shows up, you expand the 'Java Applications', select 'Robocode', and press the 'Run' button.<br />
<br />
If you need to start other parts of Robocode like e.g. RoboRumble, you need to create a launch configuration for it, in order to be able to launch it. You can read more about how to create your own launch configurations in Eclipse in this [http://help.eclipse.org/help32/index.jsp?topic=/org.eclipse.jdt.doc.user/tasks/tasks-java-local-configuration.htm guide]. This guide is also helpful if you want to modify the Robocode.launch configuration available for launching the Robocode game.<br />
<br />
==== How to run the unit tests? ====<br />
<br />
When you want to run the unit test from within Eclipse, you must do this from the the Package Explorer, where you right-click on the 'robocode.tests' project and select 'Run As' -> 'JUnit Test'. Now all available unit tests will run automatically.<br />
<br />
Alternatively you can start the tests from the command-line by standing on your robocode workspace, and write the following Maven command.<br />
<br />
On Windows:<br />
mvn test install<br />
<br />
On Linux:<br />
./mvn.sh test install<br />
<br />
==== How to build the distribution files? ====<br />
<br />
In order to build the distribution files containing the installer setup file (robocode-x.x.x-setup.jar) and a .zip file containing all the sources (robocode-x.x.x-src.zip) you start the following batch/shell file wrong the command-line within the robocode workspace directoty.<br />
<br />
On Windows:<br />
mvnassembly<br />
<br />
On Linux:<br />
./mvnassembly.sh<br />
<br />
This will build the distribution files, which will be put into the sub-directory named ''target''.<br />
<br />
=== Robocode developers and contributions ===<br />
<br />
Robocode developers have discussion group at robocode-developers@googlegroups.com. Everybody interested in discussion about future of Robocode are welcome. We also welcome your contributions there. The discussion group is located here: http://groups.google.com/group/robocode-developers.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Robocode/Old Developers Guide for building Robocode|Old version]] of the Developer's Guide for building Robocode for Robocode versions prior to version 1.7.<br />
* [http://code.google.com/p/robocode/source/browse/ Browse the sources] of Robocode.<br />
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=37202&package_id=218677 Download the sources] of Robocode.<br />
* [http://groups.google.com/group/robocode-developers Robocode developers discussion group].<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
* The [http://sourceforge.net/projects/robocode Robocode project] on SourceForge.<br />
* [http://sourceforge.net/svn/?group_id=37202 How to access] the SVN Repository for Robocode.<br />
* [http://www.eclipse.org/ Eclipse] - an open development platform supported by Robocode.<br />
* [http://maven.apache.org/ Apache Maven] used for building Robocode.<br />
* [http://maven.apache.org/guides/mini/guide-ide-eclipse.html Guide] to using Eclipse with Maven 2.x.<br />
* [http://www.eclipse.org/subversive/ Eclipse Subversive] is a plugin used for accessing Subversion from Eclipse.<br />
* [http://subclipse.tigris.org/ Subclipse] is also a plugin used for accessing Subversion from Eclipse.<br />
* [http://tortoisesvn.net TortoiseSVN], a Subversion client for Windows.<br />
* [http://www.open.collab.net/downloads/subversion/ CollabNets Subversion], a Subversion client for both Windows and Linux.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Robocode Documentation]]<br />
[[Category:Eclipse IDE]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23472Raspberry Pi2012-02-07T18:12:01Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $35) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I want to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
[[Paul Evans]] - author of [[SandboxDT]]<br />
<br />
Hi Paul, it has been a long time. I've also been reading about the Raspberry PI and find it a very interesting project, with a philosophy similar to Robocode, making coding accessible to everyone. It would take someone much more knowledgeable than me to make it happen, though. It would be akin to making java/Robocode run on a smartphone, with many technical limitations. A very interesting variation would be one robocode robot running on each PI, but that would take a complete redesign... Anyway I really hope someone makes it happen, even if just to finally know the secrets of SandboxDT or to see you take on the current, and apparently invincible, Robocode King. :) --[[User:ABC|ABC]] 12:28, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hi ABC - still at it I see - good to talk to an old adversary (I have a smile on my face as I type). I see some things have changed - It looks like IBM managed to release robocode which is nice - so there is a chance to make sure it works on the Raspberry PI - I think it will fit into RAM OK but I think we'll need to loose the bullets and go for a football type game if it's to have wide appeal in education - have you ever looked at the robocode source - is this even possible? -- [[Paul Evans]] p.s. no-one is invincible.<br />
<br />
Sure thing, it has been an open source community project for a long time now, with lots of changes/fixes/improvements. But I'm not the best person to talk about it, I've been inactive for years. [[User:FlemmingLarsen|Flemming N. Larsen]] is the main developer now, and there are lots of current (or more recent) players that know much more about the current state of Robocode than I do. I know about the current [[User:Skilgannon|King]]'s _apparent_ invincibility though, he reminds me of another great player from a long time ago... :) --[[User:ABC|ABC]] 16:35, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hey Paul, interesting proposal! I've heard about the Raspberry PI for a while and it semed rather interesting. I don't know how much time I'll be able to find for it but I may be able to try to help. About alternative rules and getting rid of the bullets, I believe there was some recent work on the robocode engine to make it support different rulesets (i.e. capture the flag), but I think that work was incomplete and last touched over a year ago. I do wonder though, if it may be easier to make an engine mostly from scratch to support different kinds of rules though... One other thought that comes to mind, is perhaps it would make sense to make a more diverse suite of "programming games" with similar APIs, rather than just sticking to things using robocode physics. Any thoughts on those aspects? --[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 17:37, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
(Welcome back, Paul!) This seems like a really interesting project. I've also been thinking about Robocode with respect to [http://codeyear.com/ Code Year]. My first impression is the same as Rednaxela: that it may be easier and better to build a lightweight, Robocode-esque game from scratch, or even something only vaguely inspired by Robocode. I've actually had some ideas for simpler, more accessible Robocode-esque programming games for a while now, though nothing that I've fleshed out.<br />
<br />
I feel like a graphics / naming overhaul could keep the exact same rules while leaving behind tanks and bullets. But agreed that Fnl or Pavel would have the best technical input on this. I'll post this page to my Robocode circle on G+ and tweet it to @robowiki. ;) --[[User:Voidious|Voidious]] 20:10, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I see Robocode 2 being born... There were attempts in the past but most of them tried to make the game even more complex, and got no followers. Besides Robocode, I also like [http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~munoz/CSE497/assignments/files/coderuler.htm CodeRuler] which is a lot simpler (discrete commands, no trigonometry). But it never had a community as big as roborumble. --[[User:MN|MN]] 21:55, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
And some people don´t like LiquidThreads... :P --[[User:MN|MN]] 21:55, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
--[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 14:43, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Heya Paul. Chase, probably don't know me. Good to see people interested in a new project. I have tried a few small and discrete 'robocode' like projects myself. Roboflight, etc. These never went far, despite some of them working fairly well (at the time). So I know something of the requirements to make a new one. The ARM architecture is very nice in my opinion. Due to the simplicity and cheapness of reformatting and ghosting a SD card, not even sure a sandboxed language would be required (like java). But just my 2 cents, always exciting to start a new project. &#8212; <span style="font-family: monospace">[[User:Chase-san|Chase]]-[[User_talk:Chase-san|san]]</span> 04:00, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:As a comment, having discrete moves in a game doesn´t make it any less challenging. [http://cgos.boardspace.net/ CGOS] is a good example of the opposite. Although it is definitely not for beginners. --[[User:MN|MN]] 14:34, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I am on rewriting from scratch with other language. I don't really know about this, but I heard that Android's Dalwik (or whatever it spells) is one of the performance limiting factor on the system. If that is true, and since Robocode is very performance intensive, I don't think we should use VM language.<br />
<br />
I just started playing with CodeRally (part of CodeRuler) I think it is nicer for beginner than Robocode (though I find it limiting in some way, especially when an angle is an integer. Much like how JuniorRobot is right now). I think CodeRally idea of throwing spare tire is very good replacement for Bullet and War, though. --[[User:Nat|<span style="color:#099;">Nat</span>]] [[User talk:Nat|<span style="color:#0a5;">Pavasant</span>]] 12:36, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I also thought in CodeRally as being good for beginners. The theme is appealing. Although not as good for competitive programming. --[[User:MN|MN]] 14:34, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: About using a non-VM language Nat, I don't think performance would be a good reason to do so. If robots are written in the non-VM language, then then it would be very difficult for users to trust running third-party robots. What's a solution to that? Have the bots written in an interpreted language while the engine is still in a non-VM language perhaps. But then you don't really get speed benefits anyway. So, I don't think performance could possibly be a good reason to use a non-VM language in this case. Btw, Android's VM is probably not relevant to this, because so far as I understand the Raspberry Pi will more typically run a more usual Linux installation (an android port to R-Pi is probably possible, but likely to happen later rather than sooner), so something like OpenJDK Zero (a version of OpenJDK that can, for one, run on ARM), is a more likely VM if Java were used. --[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 14:43, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: I don't really know about performance, so I compare it to Android since both are ARM. About the trust, I just follow what Chase said above -- run and re-format the system. I don't know much into these things anyway. --[[User:Nat|<span style="color:#099;">Nat</span>]] [[User talk:Nat|<span style="color:#0a5;">Pavasant</span>]] 14:49, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Well let me clarify. While its true that's what I ment, I am up for anything. However some may not want to do that, I mentioned it out of hand because it actually seemed like a viable solution to the problem, but was just my silly 2 cents. Not to say it is something that you would actually want to do. What if a robot flashes the binary blob or SD's boot sector with something. Not everyone has the technical expertise to repair either of those. But the project sounds fun, regardless of what environment is chosen. &#8212; <span style="font-family: monospace">[[User:Chase-san|Chase]]-[[User_talk:Chase-san|san]]</span> 17:02, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
First thing is to see if we can get an SD card distribution with all the software and documentation to get a newbie started - anyone know of a Java Primer that can be included to get them started? This should not be too difficult to achieve (no coding required I think) - but it has to be an easy one stop shop to capture the market (and not rely on an internet connection from the Raspberry. Where would be distribution be kept?<br />
<br />
BTW - off message but where do you get the latest bots from - I want to see DrussGT demolish DT! - as far as I can see the repository and this site does not have the version that is in the rumble. [[Paul Evans]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Discussions]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23471Raspberry Pi2012-02-07T18:11:17Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $35) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I want to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
[[Paul Evans]] - author of [[SandboxDT]]<br />
<br />
Hi Paul, it has been a long time. I've also been reading about the Raspberry PI and find it a very interesting project, with a philosophy similar to Robocode, making coding accessible to everyone. It would take someone much more knowledgeable than me to make it happen, though. It would be akin to making java/Robocode run on a smartphone, with many technical limitations. A very interesting variation would be one robocode robot running on each PI, but that would take a complete redesign... Anyway I really hope someone makes it happen, even if just to finally know the secrets of SandboxDT or to see you take on the current, and apparently invincible, Robocode King. :) --[[User:ABC|ABC]] 12:28, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hi ABC - still at it I see - good to talk to an old adversary (I have a smile on my face as I type). I see some things have changed - It looks like IBM managed to release robocode which is nice - so there is a chance to make sure it works on the Raspberry PI - I think it will fit into RAM OK but I think we'll need to loose the bullets and go for a football type game if it's to have wide appeal in education - have you ever looked at the robocode source - is this even possible? -- [[Paul Evans]] p.s. no-one is invincible.<br />
<br />
Sure thing, it has been an open source community project for a long time now, with lots of changes/fixes/improvements. But I'm not the best person to talk about it, I've been inactive for years. [[User:FlemmingLarsen|Flemming N. Larsen]] is the main developer now, and there are lots of current (or more recent) players that know much more about the current state of Robocode than I do. I know about the current [[User:Skilgannon|King]]'s _apparent_ invincibility though, he reminds me of another great player from a long time ago... :) --[[User:ABC|ABC]] 16:35, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hey Paul, interesting proposal! I've heard about the Raspberry PI for a while and it semed rather interesting. I don't know how much time I'll be able to find for it but I may be able to try to help. About alternative rules and getting rid of the bullets, I believe there was some recent work on the robocode engine to make it support different rulesets (i.e. capture the flag), but I think that work was incomplete and last touched over a year ago. I do wonder though, if it may be easier to make an engine mostly from scratch to support different kinds of rules though... One other thought that comes to mind, is perhaps it would make sense to make a more diverse suite of "programming games" with similar APIs, rather than just sticking to things using robocode physics. Any thoughts on those aspects? --[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 17:37, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
(Welcome back, Paul!) This seems like a really interesting project. I've also been thinking about Robocode with respect to [http://codeyear.com/ Code Year]. My first impression is the same as Rednaxela: that it may be easier and better to build a lightweight, Robocode-esque game from scratch, or even something only vaguely inspired by Robocode. I've actually had some ideas for simpler, more accessible Robocode-esque programming games for a while now, though nothing that I've fleshed out.<br />
<br />
I feel like a graphics / naming overhaul could keep the exact same rules while leaving behind tanks and bullets. But agreed that Fnl or Pavel would have the best technical input on this. I'll post this page to my Robocode circle on G+ and tweet it to @robowiki. ;) --[[User:Voidious|Voidious]] 20:10, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I see Robocode 2 being born... There were attempts in the past but most of them tried to make the game even more complex, and got no followers. Besides Robocode, I also like [http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~munoz/CSE497/assignments/files/coderuler.htm CodeRuler] which is a lot simpler (discrete commands, no trigonometry). But it never had a community as big as roborumble. --[[User:MN|MN]] 21:55, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
And some people don´t like LiquidThreads... :P --[[User:MN|MN]] 21:55, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
--[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 14:43, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Heya Paul. Chase, probably don't know me. Good to see people interested in a new project. I have tried a few small and discrete 'robocode' like projects myself. Roboflight, etc. These never went far, despite some of them working fairly well (at the time). So I know something of the requirements to make a new one. The ARM architecture is very nice in my opinion. Due to the simplicity and cheapness of reformatting and ghosting a SD card, not even sure a sandboxed language would be required (like java). But just my 2 cents, always exciting to start a new project. &#8212; <span style="font-family: monospace">[[User:Chase-san|Chase]]-[[User_talk:Chase-san|san]]</span> 04:00, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:As a comment, having discrete moves in a game doesn´t make it any less challenging. [http://cgos.boardspace.net/ CGOS] is a good example of the opposite. Although it is definitely not for beginners. --[[User:MN|MN]] 14:34, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I am on rewriting from scratch with other language. I don't really know about this, but I heard that Android's Dalwik (or whatever it spells) is one of the performance limiting factor on the system. If that is true, and since Robocode is very performance intensive, I don't think we should use VM language.<br />
<br />
I just started playing with CodeRally (part of CodeRuler) I think it is nicer for beginner than Robocode (though I find it limiting in some way, especially when an angle is an integer. Much like how JuniorRobot is right now). I think CodeRally idea of throwing spare tire is very good replacement for Bullet and War, though. --[[User:Nat|<span style="color:#099;">Nat</span>]] [[User talk:Nat|<span style="color:#0a5;">Pavasant</span>]] 12:36, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I also thought in CodeRally as being good for beginners. The theme is appealing. Although not as good for competitive programming. --[[User:MN|MN]] 14:34, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: About using a non-VM language Nat, I don't think performance would be a good reason to do so. If robots are written in the non-VM language, then then it would be very difficult for users to trust running third-party robots. What's a solution to that? Have the bots written in an interpreted language while the engine is still in a non-VM language perhaps. But then you don't really get speed benefits anyway. So, I don't think performance could possibly be a good reason to use a non-VM language in this case. Btw, Android's VM is probably not relevant to this, because so far as I understand the Raspberry Pi will more typically run a more usual Linux installation (an android port to R-Pi is probably possible, but likely to happen later rather than sooner), so something like OpenJDK Zero (a version of OpenJDK that can, for one, run on ARM), is a more likely VM if Java were used. --[[User:Rednaxela|Rednaxela]] 14:43, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: I don't really know about performance, so I compare it to Android since both are ARM. About the trust, I just follow what Chase said above -- run and re-format the system. I don't know much into these things anyway. --[[User:Nat|<span style="color:#099;">Nat</span>]] [[User talk:Nat|<span style="color:#0a5;">Pavasant</span>]] 14:49, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Well let me clarify. While its true that's what I ment, I am up for anything. However some may not want to do that, I mentioned it out of hand because it actually seemed like a viable solution to the problem, but was just my silly 2 cents. Not to say it is something that you would actually want to do. What if a robot flashes the binary blob or SD's boot sector with something. Not everyone has the technical expertise to repair either of those. But the project sounds fun, regardless of what environment is chosen. &#8212; <span style="font-family: monospace">[[User:Chase-san|Chase]]-[[User_talk:Chase-san|san]]</span> 17:02, 7 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
First thing is to see if we can get an SD card distribution with all the software and documentation to get a newbie started - anyone know of a Java Primer that can be included to get them started? This should not be too difficult to achieve (no coding required I think) - but it has to be an easy one stop shop to capture the market (and not rely on an internet connection from the Raspberry. Where would be distribution be kept?<br />
<br />
BTW - off message but where do you get the latest bots from - I want to see DrussGT demolish DT! - as far as I can see the repository and this site does not have the version that is in the rumble.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Discussions]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=User:Gbq57&diff=23451User:Gbq572012-02-06T16:32:49Z<p>Gbq57: Created page with "GBQ57 is the alter ego of Paul Evans"</p>
<hr />
<div>GBQ57 is the alter ego of [[Paul Evans]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Thread:Talk:Raspberry_PI/Alternative_languages/reply&diff=23449Thread:Talk:Raspberry PI/Alternative languages/reply2012-02-06T16:04:05Z<p>Gbq57: Reply to Alternative languages</p>
<hr />
<div>The trick would be for Robocode to support the language directly - like it does with the Java and the Jikes compiler.<br />
For me when I started this was a great benefit - no need to install a IDE or SDK - just run robocode and go.<br />
<br />
For beginners a simpler language would be of benefit - what's would you recommend?</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23448Raspberry Pi2012-02-06T15:57:44Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $35) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I want to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
[[Paul Evans]] - author of [[SandboxDT]]<br />
<br />
Hi Paul, it has been a long time. I've also been reading about the Raspberry PI and find it a very interesting project, with a philosophy similar to Robocode, making coding accessible to everyone. It would take someone much more knowledgeable than me to make it happen, though. It would be akin to making java/Robocode run on a smartphone, with many technical limitations. A very interesting variation would be one robocode robot running on each PI, but that would take a complete redesign... Anyway I really hope someone makes it happen, even if just to finally know the secrets of SandboxDT or to see you take on the current, and apparently invincible, Robocode King. :) --[[User:ABC|ABC]] 12:28, 6 February 2012 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hi ABC - still at it I see - good to talk to an old adversary (I have a smile on my face as I type). I see some things have changed - It looks like IBM managed to release robocode which is nice - so there is a chance to make sure it works on the Raspberry PI - I think it will fit into RAM OK but I think we'll need to loose the bullets and go for a football type game if it's to have wide appeal in education - have you ever looked at the robocode source - is this even possible? -- [[Paul Evans]] p.s. no-one is invincible.</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23430Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:41:06Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $35) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
[[Paul Evans]] - author of [[SandboxDT]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23429Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:39:42Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
[[Paul Evans]] - author of [[SandboxDT]]</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23428Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:39:12Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded/configured in an default project/robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23427Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:36:55Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry_Pi|Raspberry_Pi]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded an default robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23426Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:31:57Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry PI]]".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded an default robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23425Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:31:45Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "[[wikipedia:Raspberry PI[[".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded an default robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in [[SandboxDT]] not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23424Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:30:41Z<p>Gbq57: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is [[Paul Evans]], It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot [[SandboxDT]] has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "Raspberry PI".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded an default robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in SandboxDT not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57http://robowiki.net/w/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi&diff=23423Raspberry Pi2012-02-05T14:16:13Z<p>Gbq57: Created page with "Hi, My name is Paul Evans, It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change. Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot SandboxDT has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleas..."</p>
<hr />
<div>Hi,<br />
<br />
My name is Paul Evans, It's been 6 or 7 years since my last bot change.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a terrible addiction and my bot SandboxDT has not been changed since 2004 but I am pleased to see it is still in the top 60.<br />
<br />
It has recently come to my attention that a UK Charity (The Raspberry PI Foundation) is about to release a new computer on the market - this computer is the "Raspberry PI".<br />
<br />
The foundation's aims are to manufacture a computer so cheap that anyone should be able to afford it (The "B" model will be $25) - their purpose is to get youngsters programming again - not just learning to use Word and Excel.<br />
<br />
Robocode is a good fit to these aims and I would like to ask this community to help bring the joy's of programming to the next generation of youngsters.<br />
<br />
What I would like to see:<br />
<br />
Stage 1: An all inclusive distribution of OS and Robocode and relevent Robocode/Java documentation - The Raspberry PI will boot from an SD card into a linux OS - to get prospective coders into Robocode lets make getting Robocode up and running as easily as possible (as easy as PI).<br />
<br />
Stage 2: As for stage one but with an ide customised for Robocode - libraries loaded an default robot ready to go. (BTW The compuer has at most 256MB ram (shared by the GPU) and runs a arm processor at 700Mhz). <br />
<br />
Stage 3: Let's try and get the really young ones involved - Java is fairly heavyweight - can we have robots written in lighter languages such as Python (Jython?) or some other language or script. A distribution like this needs to be really easy to get started - most parents and teachers do not code - at primary school there may be no effective IT support.<br />
<br />
Stage 4: Tanks, Bullets and warfare ain't to everyones taste - however Robocode has an excellent headstart in that because it has a very effective sandbox for allowing strangers code to run in - it provides an excellent environment to allow code swapping and running without risk - ideal for schools. It would be nice to see if the Robocode Physics and display could be exposed in a nice interface to allow the teaching community to develop new games - I wan't to encourage developers, not plagiarisers - by changing the physics of the game a teacher could force the youngsters to experiment and write their own code not just lift a bot from the internet.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've been an active part of this community - and I know I'm asking alot - I have no affiliation with the Raspberry PI or the Foundation but I have been a school governor and have been unimpressed at the level of IT skills being produced out of UK schools - I think Robocode and the Raspberry PI can help.<br />
<br />
I you think this is a good cause please promote this page on the home page of the wiki to ensure all in the community can see it - fix up any links etc that I haven't done - feel free to take the lead. As a sweetener if the community takes this project to heart I'll give details of an innovation in SandboxDT not released to the community to date (and which I think is unique to DT)- I may even start to develop again.<br />
<br />
Paul Evans - author of Sandbox DT</div>Gbq57