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FTC SDK Documentation

Comprehensive guide to the FIRST Tech Challenge Software Development Kit and its core components.

What is the FTC SDK?

The FTC SDK is a Java-based software development kit provided by FIRST for programming FTC robots. It includes libraries for:

  • Motor and servo control
  • Sensor integration (cameras, distance sensors, touch sensors)
  • Gamepad input handling
  • Robot configuration and initialization
  • Telemetry for driver station communication

Getting Started with FTC SDK

To use the FTC SDK, you'll need:

  • Android Studio - Download from developer.android.com
  • FTC Robot Controller App - Official app from FIRST
  • FTC SDK Repository - Clone from GitHub
  • Java Knowledge - Basic understanding of object-oriented programming

Key Classes & Libraries

Hardware Classes

  • DcMotor - DC Motor control
  • Servo - Servo motor positioning
  • ColorSensor - RGB color detection
  • DistanceSensor - Distance measurement
  • TouchSensor - Digital input
  • IMU - Inertial measurement unit for orientation

OpMode Classes

  • LinearOpMode - Linear programming model (most common)
  • IterativeOpMode - Iterative programming model

Utility Classes

  • Telemetry - Send data to driver station
  • Gamepad - Receive controller input
  • ElapsedTime - Timer for autonomous periods

Official Resources

  • FTC SDK GitHub Repository: github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challenge/FtcRobotController
  • FIRST Official Documentation: firstinspires.org
  • Android Studio Setup Guide: developer.android.com