0.1 Welcome to Python!

Python is a popular, text-based programming language. It differs from drag and drop visual block based programming in that you will need to learn functions in order to execute flight moves for your CoDrone EDU.

Python is a great place to begin learning text-based languages!

To use Python with your CoDrone EDU, you can either install PyCharm on your computer or use Python for Robolink in your Chrome browser.

At Robolink, we believe that it is important that everyone has the opportunity to learn Python. This is why we have created two platforms to meet the various needs of our users.

• The first is Python for Robolink, a browser-based program which can be accessed from any device that has Google Chrome, except for iPads, tablets, and cell phones.
• The second platform is our traditional platform, PyCharm. This version is a desktop IDE (integrated development environment) that requires the application to be downloaded to a computer.

Python for Robolink is Robolink’s preferred method for programming the CoDrone EDU in Python. This platform is ideal for people who do not have access to a device that has the capability of downloading and storing applications.

Use Python for Robolink if…

1. You are looking for a quick and easy way to get programming with Python
2. You are using a Chromebook
3. You do not have space on your current device to download PyCharm
4. Your IT team has not installed PyCharm on your computers yet
5. You do not have time to install PyCharm on every device

PyCharm is ideal for people who have access to a device with the capability of downloading and storing applications.

Use PyCharm if…

1. You are using a PC or Mac computer
2. If you are looking for a more advanced Python experience with the ability to access local files, add customizations and libraries

While we are constantly improving our products, sometimes there are slight differences that occur. Almost all lessons can be completed in either platform, with a few exceptions. There are a few features that may be different between PyCharm and Python for Robolink. Below you will find which lessons these are.

• Lesson 2.1 LEDs and Buzzers
• Lesson 4.1 User Input
• Lesson 4.2 Keyboard Controller
• Lesson 4.3 Custom Smart Controller
• Lesson 4.4 Screen Drawing

Lessons that are currently unavailable for Python for Robolink:

• Lesson 3.7 Color Sensor

In this lesson, you learned about Python and Robolink’s two options for programming! Let’s review:

• Robolink has created two platforms for coding in Python; a desk top version (PyCharm) and a web based version (Python for Robolink)
• Python for Robolink can be used on devices that have Google Chrome, except for tablets, iPads, cell phones and is the suggested platform for programming with Python
• PyCharm will continue to be supported and is useful for more complex programming challenge
• There are few lessons that are not currently available for the web based platform, Python for Robolink

The next lesson goes over how to get started with Python for Robolink. If you plan on using the desktop version, PyCharm, skip to lesson 0.3.