This is an overview of the process for creating a new project in the VEX Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Extension. Projects in the VEX VS Code Extension can be created in two ways, either by creating a new project from an example template or importing an existing VEXCode project.

Project Actions

To create a VEX VS Code project navigate to the Project Actions panel that is located on the primary sidebar on the left side of the VS Code UI.

Screenshot of the VS Code Extension interface for VEX IQ, showcasing features and tools designed to enhance programming for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, aimed at educational and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Create a new VEX project

To create a new project based off of an example template click the “New Project” button in the Project Actions panel. A project creation wizard will guide you through the process.

Platform Choices:

  • VEX V5
  • VEX EXP
  • VEX IQ 2nd Generation

Icon to select the project's platform for VEX IQ Robotics programming, indicating options for choosing the programming language in the VS Code Extension for IQ section of the knowledge base.
Click the icon to select the project’s platform. Once the platform is selected, the programming language can be chosen.

Programming Language Choices:

  • C++
  • Python

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ project templates interface, showcasing a list of sample projects with a search box for filtering options, designed to assist users in selecting appropriate programming templates for VEX IQ robotics projects.
Each programming language has a selection of project templates that contain sample code that can be used to help get the project started. The “Search” box can be used to filter the list of sample projects for specific tags. Select the appropriate sample project from the list.

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ project setup interface, showing fields for project name, description, SDK version, and folder location, with options to save the project in a specified directory.
Once the sample project template has been selected, the project name, description, SDK version and folder location can then be set. The project name will be used for the name of the top level folder for the project. It will also be the name that is displayed on the VEX device screen once the application has been downloaded to the robot. The project description will also be displayed on the device’s screen under project information. The project location will be set to your default project folder found in the extension global settings. To save the project in a different location use the browse button to select a different folder.

Screenshot of the VS Code Extension interface for VEX IQ, showcasing features and tools designed to assist users in programming VEX IQ robots effectively, with a focus on educational resources and beginner-friendly programming.

Once a Project Name, Project Description and Project Location are all chosen, click the “Create” button to start the project.

Import an existing VEXCode project

To create a new VEX VS Code project from an existing VEXCode project click the “Import Project” button in the Project Actions panel. An open file window will prompt you to select the VEXCode project file to import.

Screenshot of the VS Code extension interface for VEX IQ, showcasing features and tools designed to assist users in programming VEX IQ robotics projects, including code editing, debugging options, and project management functionalities.

Supported VEXCode Project File Types:

  • .v5code (VEXCode Pro for V5)
  • .iqblocks, .iqcpp, .iqpython (VEXCode for IQ)
  • .expblocks, .expcpp, .exppython (VEXCode for EXP)
  • .v5blocks, .v5cpp, .v5python (VEXCode for V5)

NOTE: For all VEXCode IQ, only projects that are configured to use IQ 2nd Generation can be imported. If you try to import a VEXCode IQ project that is configured for IQ 1st Generation the import process will fail.

Screenshot of the VS Code Extension interface for VEX IQ, displaying programming options and features designed to assist educators and students in developing robotics projects using the VEX IQ platform.

Once the VEXCode project file has been selected, the project’s Title, Description, and Location must be set. The title will determine the name of the folder for the project, as well as the name of the final program uploaded to the robot. The project location will be set to your default project folder found in the extension global settings. To save the project in a different location use the browse button to select a different folder. Once a Project Name, Project Description and Project Location are all chosen, click the “Import” button to start the project. .

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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