To begin programming in FRC and working in the team environment, there are a few things to do to get started.

At this point, you've probably already done some of these things, but better check them off to be safe. This applies to Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• Create a GitHub account
• Talk to a mentor to get added to the GitHub organization (will require your username)
• Accept the invitation to the organization

If you plan to use GitHub Desktop:

• Download and install GitHub Desktop
• Sign into GitHub Desktop
• Make sure any repos you clone are not stored in OneDrive

If you plan to use command-line git OR VSCode git tools:

• Install git
• Set your name in a terminal window: git config --global user.name "Your NAME as it appears in GitHub" (note: this is your NAME, not your USER NAME)
• Set your email in a terminal window: git config --global user.email "Your EMAIL in GitHub" (note: this can be ANY email on your GitHub account, including the noreply private address)

The core software library is WPILib. It also includes a wide array of tools, including the distribution of VS Code to use. Do not use a non-WPILib VS Code install. This applies to Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• Install WPILib. Make sure to use the Download for this computer only (fastest) option.

The Driver Station application (among others) is included as part of FRC Game Tools. This applies only to Windows, as the package is not available on macOS or Linux.

• Install FRC Game Tools

The REV Hardware Client is a tool to configure and test hardware components made by REV Robotics. This applies only to Windows, as the package is not available on macOS or Linux.

• Install REV Hardware Client

Phoenix Tuner X is a tool to configure and test hardware components made by CTR Electronics. This software is free in the Microsoft Store and Google Play Store and for purchase in the Mac App Store and iOS App Store. Do not feel obligated to purchase this software.

• Install Phoenix Tuner X

PathPlanner is a tool for drawing paths a robot can follow and building autonomous routines around them. This applies to Windows, macOS, and Linux. The tool can be installed from the Microsoft Store or from a release on their GitHub (for non-Windows).

• Install PathPlanner GUI

The Limelight Hardware Manager is a tool to assist in connecting to and configuring Limelight devices. This applies only to Windows, as the package is not available on macOS or Linux.

• Install Limelight Hardware Manager