Programming (FLL)
From FIRSTwiki
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Programs are essential to running the NXT and RCX robots used during FLL competitions.
The programs are created using a string of motor + sensor commands on a computer and then uploaded to the robot via infrared of cable.
Although a few LEGO gurus have created their own programming languages, the only ones permitted at the competitions are:
- Mindstorms RIS - The programming language that comes with the retail LEGO Mindstorms Kit.
- RoboLab - The programming language that comes with the LEGO Education versions of Mindstorms.
- With the release of the new NXT, its programming software is permitted as well.
If you order the FLL Education + Competition set as part of your team registration, you will recieve the programming languages on a CD, whether it is an NXT and RCX.
Teams have been equally successful using any of the languages. There are many adherents of each. This comparision chart (in pdf format) gives an excellent overview of the differences between the first two languages. The above links will also have more detailed descriptions of each language and resources.
