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Compiling leJOS programs is relatively simple. It just
involves running a special program that calls the Java
compiler with some special parameters. This can be
set up to run on public PCs but in our experience this has
been a cause of many problems due to difficulty setting
environment variables. There is also a second problem in that,
once compiled, the programs have to be downloaded onto the
Robot's RCX via an
infra-red transmitter.
In large classes, multiple infra-red transmitters and RCXs tend to
interfere with one another.
In order to overcome these problems we have produced a server tool
that manages the compiling and downloading of code with
the minimum of effort.
All each student needs to do is run a client program and specify which files to compile. The server program then compiles the code and will report back whether or not the compilation was successful. If the code contained errors these will be displayed in the client window. The source files can then be modified and sent back to the server for recompilation. Once compiled, then the code is downloaded to the RCX via a server PC that is attached to a single infra-red tower. |
Downloading via the server PC |
The system keeps track of programs based on the user's login and the name of their main class. |
RCX and MINDSTORMS are trademarks of the LEGO company. |