1 - Variables and Datatypes

It’s time for 1 - Variables and Datatypes 😀

Java Basics

Robocode robots are written in Java, so you need a grasp of basic syntax.

Declaring Variables

Variables store data. A declaration lists the type followed by the variable name:

int energy = 100;       // whole number
double speed = 8.0;     // decimal number
String name = "Robo";   // text

The first word is the datatype telling Java what kind of value to store. The keywords int, double and String are built into the language.

Common Datatypes

Type	Example	Description
int	int hits = 0;	Whole numbers
double	double x = 3.5;	Decimal numbers
boolean	boolean alive = true;	true or false
char	char grade = 'A';	Single character
String	String title = "Tank";	Sequence of characters

Keywords in Methods and Classes

When you see a Java method like:

public static void run() {
    // logic here
}

• public means other classes can call this method.
• static associates the method with the class rather than a specific object.
• void means it does not return a value.

These keywords appear throughout Java code, including your robot classes.

Moving a Tank

Inside your robot class you can use variables to control movement:

public void run() {
    int step = 100;      // how far to move
    double angle = 90.0; // how much to turn
 
    forward(step);         // move forward
    turnRight(angle);    // rotate the tank
}

This program moves the tank forward and then turns right. Understanding variables and datatypes lets you tweak those values to create more complex strategies.

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