Setting up VS Code for the VMX

By default the VS Code that was just installed in software setup is configured for a roboRIO. There are some simple steps required to change that configuration to a VMX.

VMX VS Code Extension

The VMX VS Code extension will convert the build.gradle for the roboRIO into a build.gradle for the VMX. The extension will also allow you to update the GradleRIO version for the VMX, when a new version is available.

Installing the Extension

To install the extension head over to the Extensions tab on the left panel of VS Code or hit Ctrl + Shift + X.

In the search bar, search for VMX.

Select the extension VMX-PI WPILib.

Click on Install to install the extension.

The installation will be successful when the white VMXpi logo pops up next to the WPILib logo.

Using the Extension

There are four commands in the extension palette.

• Update WPILib Version will update to the current GradleRIO version for the VMX. Ensure that the project is already set to a VMX project and not a roboRIO project before running this command.

• Change the deploy target to VMX-Pi (from RoboRIO) will update the build.gradle file to use the VMX as a target.

• Change the deploy target to RoboRIO (from VMX-Pi) will update the build.gradle file to use the roboRIO as a target.

• Verify the Project's build.gradle file checks if everything is good to go with build.gradle.

After creating a new WPILib project which will default as a roboRIO target. The command Change the deploy target to VMX-Pi (from RoboRIO) needs to be run. In turn the command will grab and cache the appropriate GradleRIO for the project.

Installing the Raspbian Toolchain (C++ only)

Anyone using C++ for WPILib requires the Raspbian toolchain for building and reploying to the VMX.

Open the WPILib extension and use the command Run a command in Gradle.

In the popup window type installRaspbianToolchain and hit enter. The toolchain will now be installed and cached to the computer.