Get Started Coding a VEX V5 Robot

VEXcode V5

VEXcode is the coding software designed for VEX V5. Users can write code with graphical blocks or in C++. V5 can also be coded in Python. User generated code is then downloaded to the VEX V5 Brain via USB or Bluetooth.  

Downloads are available for iPad, Android Tablets, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Windows, and Mac.

Download VEXcode V5

Tutorials and Walkthroughs for VEXcode V5

The VEX STEM Library includes a comprehensive collection of documents, tutorials, and walkthroughs for VEXcode V5, including coding lessons for Blocks, Python, and C++.

VEX STEM Library / V5 / VEXcode V5

The Coding Dilemma

New teams find it difficult to get started on coding their robots due to several factors. The team coders often do not get time to learn because:

  • The robot build team is always driving, changing, and testing the robot. 
  • The robot is never "done."
  • Testing code for Autonomous Coding Skills requires constant field reset and a lot of batteries.

The best solution to these issues is to get some experience with virtual coding before moving to the robot.

Start with VEX V5 Robotics Competition Virtual Skills

V5RC Virtual Skills is a good place to work on coding know-how and game strategy skills, getting you ready to code your own robot with its unique setup and needs.

Code written in V5RC Virtual Skills will not transfer over to the team's custom robot, because their robot is undoubtedly different from the standard Virtual Skills design. However, the coding knowledge, game knowledge, and debugging skills learned from coding in VRC Virtual Skills will be invaluable when you start coding the physical robot.

Learn more about V5RC Virtual Skills

Clone Your Robot

Teams with enough resources may be able to build a minimally viable solution, and then clone that design to create a second robot that can be dedicated to the coders. Hand the clone off to the coders to begin writing and testing. When a major revision of the original robot is complete, update the clone to match.