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Setup and Installation

Coding in the browser​

Python for Robolink, a browser-based program, allows you to connect to and program your drone without needing to install Python or an IDE (integrated development environment).

Why did we create two ways to code in Python?​

While we still suggest using the desktop version by downloading PyCharm to your computer, we wanted to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn Python. Python for Robolink 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 using a Chromebook
  2. You do not have space on your current device to download PyCharm
  3. Your IT team has not installed PyCharm on your computers yet
  4. You do not have time to install PyCharm on every device

Since Python for Robolink is a browser-based program, it can be accessed from any device that has Google Chrome, with the exception of iPads, tablets, and cell phones.

Start programming your drone with Python for Robolink by heading to codrone.robolink.com/edu/python/

Device requirements​

Hardware Requirements​

Try to use the cable that comes with CoDrone EDU whenever possible! This USB cable can transfer data, which is necessary for programming. Most USB cables now are data compatible. If your drone does not switch to LINK state when connecting, you may have the wrong cable or it may be broken.

Google Chrome Requirements​

Your Google Chrome should be updated to the most recent version. If you are not sure how to check, click on the the menu on the top right, scroll down to “Help”, and select “About Google Chrome”. Google Chrome might automatically update. If not, please update Chrome.



Coding in PyCharm​

How to install Python​

Install Python on your Mac or Windows machine. If you’re using a guest or limited account, make sure you have access to admin credentials for installing new software on the computer. This is especially important for students using a school computer or parent computer with limited access. If you’re on a Mac computer, you may need to modify the security settings in system preferences in order to download software.

caution

(Last Edited 10/30/23): The latest version of Python (3.12) has an issue with a library that manages packages in virtual environments. Please use Python 3.11 when following along with this tutorial.

Click here to go to the Python website to install v3.11. Follow along with the instructions in the video below. Regardless of the Python version shown in the video, the instructions will still apply.

How to install Pycharm​

Next, install PyCharm Community (free) edition , which is what we’ll use for writing out our Python code and running it on CoDrone EDU.

note

If you choose not to use PyCharm and prefer your own editor or IDE, you will need to know how to install packages on your platform of choice. If you are not sure how to do this, we recommend following the tutorial for PyCharm instead.

Click here to go to the PyCharm download page and follow the instructions in the video below.

How to install CoDrone EDU library​

Now you need to create a new project and set it up with the CoDrone EDU library. Follow along with the video instructions below. In the tutorial, you will need to copy and paste the import statement into the generated main.py. You do not need to connect your drone yet.

from codrone_edu.drone import *

note

If a main.py file was not generated, you can make a new one by right clicking on the project name and selecting “New > Python File”. This is for both Windows and Mac.