Using the Autocomplete Feature in VEXcode AIM – VEX Library

Using the Autocomplete feature while creating a Python project in VEXcode AIM can help save time and prevent errors when typing commands. This article will walk you through how to use Autocomplete to help you as you are creating Python project for your VEX AIM Coding Robot.

Begin typing to open the selection menu

A screenshot of the selection menu appearing as the first two letters, co, of a command are typed. The three options that include co are listed in a drop down menu that is highlighted by a red box. The options read controller, clear console, and set console color.

The device or command name will appear in a drop down selection menu.

A screenshot of the selection menu that appears in VEXcode AIM when Control and Space are pressed together.

To access a list of the possible commands available using the Autocomplete function, press Control + Space (on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS).

Make a Selection with the Python Autocomplete Feature

A screenshot of the item selection to add the next part of a command that begins robot dot s. The first option listed for screen is highlighted.

Press Enter/Return or Tab on your keyboard or select the command with your cursor to make a selection.

Note that with longer selection menus, you can make a selection using one of the following options:

Use your Up and Down keys to select the name you want, then press Tab or Enter/Return on your keyboard to make the selection.
Use your cursor to scroll up and down in the Autocomplete menu. Then make the desired selection.

Add a Dot Operator to List all the Commands Available to that Device

A screenshot of the dot operator selection to add the next part of a command that begins robot dot screen. The whole list of available commands is highlighted.

Adding a dot operator (a period, “.”) will open a new menu of all commands available to the device, including their parameters.

A screenshot of the dot operator selection to add the next part of a command that begins robot dot screen dot s. The whole list of available commands that begin with s is highlighted.

Continue typing to narrow down the selection menu further.

Make a Selection by Using One of the Following Options

A screenshot of the selection option to choose the second method completion option. The show emoji method is highlighted.

Use the Up and Down buttons on your keyboard to navigate the menu and then press Return on Mac, Enter on Windows or Chromebook to make a selection.

Select with your cursor on the desired command.

Add Parameters

A screenshot of the parameter options to complete the robot dot screen dot show emoji method. The first parameter listed is highlighted, showing that emoji dot affectionate is selected.

Parameters are the options that are passed to the command between the parenthesis.

A screenshot showing the selection options to complete the next parameter of the method. The second option of emoji look dot left is selected and highlighted.

Some commands require multiple parameters. Use a comma to separate different parameters in the same command.

A screenshot of the full Python command created using the Autocomplete feature is shown and reads robot dot screen dot show underscore emoji, with emoji dot affectionate, comma, emoji look dot left in parentheses.

Some parameters are optional, such as the EmojiLook.LEFT in this example. For more information about parameters, view the command’s Help information, or the VEXcode API Reference to determine which parameters are needed, and which are optional.