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2 - First Lines of Code

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🤖 Robocode Lab: Day 2 – First Lines of Code

Welcome to Day 2! Today, your robot comes alive. While the core code is ready to go, this lesson is about understanding it and giving your bot a story.

We’ll explore what your robot does, how it thinks, and then give it a name and backstory. Let’s get creative while learning some real Java code!

🧰 Your Robot’s Origin Story

Before we dive into the code, take a moment to imagine:

“Where did your robot come from? What is its purpose in the Robocode arena? Who built it — and why?”

🎨 Activity: Bot Backstory

Open the MyFirstBot.json file in your workspace and fill in the story. Use this template:

{
  "name": "The Blazing Falcon",
  "version": "1.0",
  "authors": ["Kai and Riley"],
  "description": "Built in a secret volcano lab to compete in the ultimate bot tournament. Loyal, swift, and fierce.",
  "homepage": "https://blazingfalcon-bots.org",
  "countryCodes": ["ca"],
  "platform": "Java",
  "programmingLang": "Java"
}

What is JSON?

JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It’s a lightweight text format used to organize data into key–value pairs. Your .json file keeps track of your robot’s name, version, authors and more in a form that both people and programs can easily read.

✅ Share your bot’s name and backstory with the class when you’re ready!

🕹️ Understanding the Code

Open MyFirstBot.java and look at these two main parts:

✅ run() Method

public void run() {
    while (isRunning()) {
        forward(100);
        turnGunLeft(360);
        back(100);
        turnGunLeft(360);
    }
}

What it means:

  • public means this method can be used by other parts of the program.
  • void means this method doesn’t return a value.
  • run() is the method that runs when your bot starts.
  • while (isRunning()) keeps looping as long as your bot is alive.
  • forward(100); and back(100); move the bot.
  • turnGunLeft(360); spins the gun all the way around.

(more about this later)

Important: Each line ends in a semicolon (;). This tells Java the command is done. Without it, the program won’t compile!

🛡️ onScannedBot Event

public void onScannedBot(ScannedBotEvent e) {
    fire(1);
}

What it means:

  • This method runs when your radar sees another bot.
  • ScannedBotEvent e gives you info about the bot it sees.
  • fire(1); tells your bot to shoot with power level 1.

✨ Try This

You can change how your robot behaves. Try changing these lines to customize its style:

fire(3); // Increase attack power (range: 0.1 to 3.0)
forward(200); // Go farther forward before turning
turnGunLeft(720); // Scan with two full turns instead of one

Want to add more? Try:

turnRight(90); // Turn the robot body

Remember: Every Java statement must end with a semicolon (;).

You’re now officially a Java coder! 🚀 Keep experimenting with values and events to make your bot stronger and smarter.

🔗 Navigation

🔹 Back: Robocode Setup 🔹 Next: Understanding Robocode Geometry

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