3. Introduction to Robotics Programming Languages: Python and ROS

Learning Objectives Define and use lists to store collections of data, like sensor readings. Access and modify specific elements in a list using their index. Create and use dictionaries to store key-value pairs, like robot settings. Write their own Python functions that accept parameters to perform specific tasks. Use the `return` keyword to get a value back from a function. Combine lists, dictionaries, and functions to model a simple robot's state and behavior. How does a robot remember a whole list of instructions or all the parts it has? Let's find out how Python gives robots a memory! 🤖🧠 In this lesson, we'll level up our Python skills by learning about lists, dictionaries, and functions. These tools are essential for writing smarter, more organized cod...

TermDefinitionExample ListAn ordered collection of items, stored in a single variable. Lists are mutable, meaning you can change their contents.A list of distance sensor readings: `distances = [10, 12, 15, 9, 11]` IndexThe position of an item in a list. Python indexing starts at 0.In the list `distances = [10, 12, 15]`, the number `10` is at index `0`, and `15` is at index `2`. DictionaryA collection of key-value pairs. Instead of an index, you use a unique 'key' to look up a 'value'.A dictionary for robot motor speeds: `motor_speeds = {'left': 100, 'right': 95}`. Here, 'left' is a key and 100 is its value. FunctionA named block of reusable code that performs a specific action. Functions help organize code and avoid repetition.A function t...

Function Definition Syntax def function_name(parameter1, parameter2): # code to execute return result Use the `def` keyword to create a new function. Name it, list any parameters it needs in parentheses, and end the line with a colon. The code inside the function must be indented. Use `return` to send a value back. Accessing List Elements my_list[index] Use the list's variable name followed by square brackets `[]` containing the index of the element you want. Remember that the first element is at index 0. Accessing Dictionary Values my_dictionary['key'] Use the dictionary's variable name followed by square brackets `[]` containing the key (as a string) whose value you want to retrieve.