Starting, Downloading, and Running a Python Project in VEXcode V5 – VEX Library

Starting and downloading Python projects in VEXcode V5 is easy.

How to Start a Python Project

Screenshot of the VEXcode V5 interface, showcasing the launch screen for Python tutorials in the V5 category, featuring various programming options and tools for robotics development.

Launch VEXcode V5. The platform defaults to the Blocks interface.

Screenshot of a new text project interface in Python, showcasing code editor features and options for creating and managing text-based projects in the V5 software environment.

Select ‘File,’ then ‘New Text Project’ to open the text interface.

Screenshot of a Python tutorial interface showing code snippets and explanations for V5 category usage, highlighting key concepts and programming techniques.

Next, select the Python project language. There is the option to start a new project in either C++ or Python.

Screenshot of the VEX V5 Python interface, showcasing the programming environment used for Python tutorials in robotics development.

The Python interface will open.

How to Build a Python Project

This section will show you how to create a basic Python project using commands from the Tool Box. The project outlined here will drive the V5 Clawbot forward for 200 millimeters (mm).

Screenshot of Python file open examples, illustrating various methods for opening files in Python, including syntax and code snippets, as part of the V5 Python Tutorials.

Select ‘File’ then ‘Open Examples” to open a template project.

Diagram of a Clawbot drivetrain configuration using a 2-motor setup without a gyro, illustrating the components and layout for V5 robotics, relevant to Python tutorials.

Select the Clawbot (Drivetrain 2-motor, No Gyro) template. Templates are blank projects with preset device configurations.

Screenshot of the Vex Robotics platform showing the 'Add Comments' feature in the Python Tutorials section of the V5 Category Description, highlighting how to insert comments in Python code for better readability and understanding.

Notice that a set of project comments open in the workspace. You will add commands after the comments.

To learn more about comments, see the Using Comments in VEXcode V5 Python article here.

Screenshot showing how to add a new line of code in Python, illustrating the process with highlighted text and code structure, relevant to V5 Python tutorials.

Select enter at the end of the last line of code (line 14). This should create the next numbered line (line 15). This is where you will start adding code to the project.

Flowchart illustrating the command structure for controlling the VEX V5 robot's drive system using Python, highlighting key functions and their relationships.

Now you can add commands from the Tool Box. Select the drive_for command.

Screenshot of the VEXcode V5 interface showing the 'Add Drive' feature in a Python tutorial, illustrating how to configure a robot's drive system.

Drag the drive_for command into the workspace and place it on the last line of the project (line 15).

How to Download and Run a Python Project

VEX V5 Drive Forward tutorial logo featuring a stylized robot and text, representing the Python programming tutorials for VEX robotics.

First, name and save your Python project. View one of the following articles for detailed information on how to save a VEXcode V5 Python project:

Diagram illustrating the slot configuration for V5 robotics, showcasing the arrangement of components and connections relevant to Python tutorials in the V5 category.

Then, choose which of the Brain’s slots you will download the project to. To do this, select the ‘Slot’ button on the Toolbar.

Green icon representing a brain, associated with V5 Python tutorials in the V5 Category Description section.

Next, connect the Brain to your device (Directly via Micro-USB or via VEX Controller) and check that the Brain icon is green.

Download icon for Python tutorials in V5 category description, indicating an option to download related resources or materials.

Select the ‘Download’ button to download the project to the Brain. The project will download to the chosen slot.

Run icon representing the execution of Python tutorials in the V5 category description.

Finally, select ‘Run’ to start the project while the robot is still connected to your computer.

Illustration of a brain with gears, representing the concept of programming and logic in Python tutorials for V5 category.

Or, disconnect the Brain from your device and run the project on the V5 Brain.