Setting up VS Code for the VMX

By default, the software setup configures VS Code for a roboRIO. Follow the steps below to switch the configuration to a VMX.

VMX VS Code Extension

The VMX VS Code extension converts the build.gradle for the roboRIO into a build.gradle for the VMX. The extension also allows GradleRIO version updates for the VMX whenever a new version becomes 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 white VMXpi logo will pop up next to the WPILib logo after a successful installation.

Using the Extension

The extension palette contains four commands.

• Update WPILib Version updates the project to the current GradleRIO version for the VMX. Ensure the project already targets a VMX project and not a roboRIO project before running this command.
• Change the deploy target to VMX-Pi (from RoboRIO) updates the build.gradle file to use the VMX as a target.
• Change the deploy target to RoboRIO (from VMX-Pi) updates the build.gradle file to use the roboRIO as a target.
• Verify the Project's build.gradle file checks that everything in build.gradle looks ready to go.

After creating a new WPILib project, the project defaults to a roboRIO target. Run the command Change the deploy target to VMX-Pi (from RoboRIO). The command will then grab and cache the appropriate GradleRIO version for the project.

Installing the Raspbian Toolchain (C++ Only)

Anyone using C++ for WPILib requires the Raspbian toolchain for building and redeploying 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 then install and cache onto the computer.