What is the best programming language for building a 2D pathfinding robot?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a programming language for building a 2D pathfinding robot, with considerations for hardware and control systems. Participants explore various programming languages and hardware options while sharing their experiences and preferences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the hardware and operating system for the robot, suggesting that the choice of programming language may depend on these factors.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of selecting a control system before deciding on a programming language.
  • The original poster expresses a preference for Python, citing previous enjoyment and experience with the language, while also seeking recommendations for hardware.
  • One participant suggests that if the robot is large, a laptop could be used, allowing for flexibility in programming language choice.
  • The original poster mentions limited experience with QBasic and expresses a desire to learn Python or C++, although they find C++ challenging.
  • A later reply reiterates the advantage of using a computer CPU for greater options in programming and control.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the choice of programming language may depend on the hardware and control system used. However, there is no consensus on a specific programming language or hardware recommendation, as multiple views and preferences are expressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not settled on specific hardware or programming languages, and there are varying levels of experience with different languages. The discussion reflects a range of familiarity with programming and robotics.

golmschenk
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Hello. I'm thinking about building a 2D pathfinding robot. I was just wondering if anyone wanted to suggest a programming language. I have experience in a few, but I also like trying new ones so I'm open to anything. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
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What kind of hardware\operating system will the robot be running?
 
it will depend on what hardware you use for control. It's best to choose what control system you are going to use before you choose a programming language.
 
Haha, um... no clue yet. I've only got the plans in the making. No hardware has been decided on. Speaking of which then, is there recommendations for that? I'd like to build neither a small nor extremely large one, but it will be fairly large. I actually wanted to model it after and be the size of K-9 from Doctor Who. So I guess recommendations on both the hardware and program language? I was thinking I'd like to try python. I've used python a bit and I really enjoyed it, and I'd like to use it a bit more.
 
If it's that big you can just put a laptop inside. Then you can use any language you want.
 
golmschenk said:
Haha, um... no clue yet. I've only got the plans in the making. No hardware has been decided on. Speaking of which then, is there recommendations for that? I'd like to build neither a small nor extremely large one, but it will be fairly large. I actually wanted to model it after and be the size of K-9 from Doctor Who. So I guess recommendations on both the hardware and program language? I was thinking I'd like to try python. I've used python a bit and I really enjoyed it, and I'd like to use it a bit more.

I have fooled around a bit with controlling motors, etc but I've only ever know qbasic. (haha, I know). The truth is, I've never personally ran into a situation that a nice easy qbasic program could not handle. Most controller I use are rather primitive, using serial connectors so you can control them from almost any language very easily.
I'd LOVE to learn python, or C++, but I can never seem to wrap my head around them.

Good luck!

PS, X2 on using an actual computer CPU, this leaves options open and almost limitless.
 

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