Compiler optimizations in NXT-G

Sunday, January 7th, 2007

Having published my “Template VI Library Block” I received an email from NI, explaining how a similar code optimization can be done in a more “regular” fashion:

Consider a program/block diagram which has a “switch” (i.e. a case structure) and each case performs a different task. The compiler decides whether to include in the final program all case diagrams if, and only if, the case structure selection input is connected to a control and this control is wired to a terminal in the Implementation VI connector pane (and thus will have a drawer terminal in the NXT-G IDE).

One the other hand, if you wire a constant to the case structure selection input, or wire a control which is not connected to a connector (and thus not accessible in NXT-G drawer) - the compiler will add only the relevant piece of code into the final program file.

Having published this, I still find my block useful as it makes adding functions easier, and automatically shows the the right description in the control panel.

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RobotC Available for Purchase from LEGO!

Sunday, January 7th, 2007

Hot new! The attached image is taken from the most recent LEGO Education catalog (North America). It’s currently being sent to people on Lego’s mailing list. As you can read, RobotC is available for purchase from LEGO and is branded as a LEGO Education product!

In case you don’t know - RobotC is an alternative programming platform for NXT and RCX. It is a C-based programming language (with some C++ extensions). It was design by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, and been freely availalble as time-limited beta for quite some time. It is now sold as a LEGO Educational product for $49 (Single Copy). I’ve heard that a direct download option will be available soon from CMU, hopefully for somewhat cheap price.

Posted in development, firmware, news, software | 9 Comments »

Combining studded with studless Legos

Sunday, January 7th, 2007

Our forums user PTP posted this nice picture showing various ways one can combine studded with studless Legos. Since I find this very important, I have published it here. Click on the picture for a higher resolution image.

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