VEXcode 5 is the next generation of the VEXcode programming environment, available as a web app at beta-code.vex.com. This major update focuses on accessibility and a streamlined experience across all VEX platforms. VEXcode 5 currently supports the VEX GO, AIM, EXP, and V5 platforms.
Read below to learn about the new features and improvements available in VEXcode 5.
Improvements and Features in VEXcode 5
Full Keyboard Accessibility
VEXcode 5 is now fully keyboard accessible, allowing you to navigate and operate every part of the interface without a mouse.
Keyboard Navigation in the Block Editor
The block editor now supports keyboard navigation. To see the available keyboard shortcuts, press the / key while in the block editor.
New Landing Page
VEXcode 5 features a redesigned landing page that serves as the central hub for the application. From here, you can:
- Browse and select any supported VEX platform (GO, AIM, EXP, V5).
- View the latest VEXcode news through the built-in News Feed.
- Go to a platform-specific page to create a new project, open an existing project, or explore example projects.
News Feed
A built-in News Feed is available directly on the landing page. It displays the latest VEXcode news, announcements, and updates, keeping educators and students informed without leaving the app.
Redesigned Project Creation
The project creation flow has been redesigned. From the landing page, you can now select your preferred project type (Blocks or Python), enter a project name, and save your project.
Example Project Search
Browsing examples now includes a search bar, making it easier to find a specific example project.
Movable and Resizable Tabs
The VEXcode workspace is now customizable, with tabs that can be moved, resized, or closed.
- To reopen a closed tab, open the View Menu and select Add Tab, then choose the tab you want to restore.
- To reset your workspace, open the View Menu and select Default Layout.
Bluetooth Connectivity Added for EXP and V5
EXP and V5 Brains can now connect wirelessly via Bluetooth directly from the browser, just like IQ.
AI Vision Color Picker
The AI Vision configuration utility now includes a color picker tool. This allows you to select and configure colors during AI Vision Sensor setup using keyboard navigation.
Built-in Help Connected to the VEX API
All help references for Blocks and Python commands now link directly to the official VEX API Reference site. This gives you comprehensive information about each command without leaving VEXcode.
Updated Brain Connection Dialog
The dialog that appears when connecting a Brain has been redesigned with a modern, consistent look across all platforms.
Configurable GO Builds
In VEXcode 5, GO build configurations and example project templates have been consolidated. In the device panel, selecting a GO build configuration automatically populates the panel with the associated devices. Each device can still be configured the same way as on a custom robot.
Updated GO Drive Tab
The GO Drive Tab has been redesigned to better support accessibility. You can now drive your GO robot from the Drive Tab using the keyboard.
Upcoming Features for VEXcode 5
VEXcode 5 is still in active development. Some features from the current production VEXcode apps are not yet available, but they are planned for future releases, such as:
- Support for other VEX platforms (123, IQ Gen1/Gen2, CTE, AIR, and VR)
- Brain and robot firmware updates
- Connecting to a Brain via controller (IQ Gen2, EXP, and V5)
- Loading existing VEXcode projects
- Projects created in the current production VEXcode apps cannot be opened in VEXcode 5 yet.
- Monitoring variables and sensor values
- Sharing projects
- Vision Sensor configuration (IQ, EXP, and V5)
- AI Classification model support for the AI Vision Sensor (EXP and V5)
- AI Vision Sensor firmware updates
- MyBlocks and Switch Blocks
- C++ coding support
- Read Blocks Aloud in the block editor context menu
VEXcode 5 Changelog
5.0.1
- General
- Fixed blocks in the workspace not disabled after deleting a device
- EXP
- Fixed Python autocomplete suggestions for Signal Tower and Inertial device
- Fixed Controller device Python code generation
5.0
- General
- Initial release
- GO
- Initial support
- AIM
- Initial support
- EXP
- Initial support
- V5
- Initial support