Programming

Diagram for how to construct a basic computer including a MicroController.

The game features an in-depth programming language that allows you to write and execute software that can manage and manipulate the state of other objects in-game. The name of this programming language is called Pilot.lua, which is a reference to rbx.lua.

The main parts of programming are

• Microcontroller - An object that stores and runs code when triggered by polysilicon and powered.
• Port - Allows the microcontroller to interact with other objects, trigger and configure, etc.
• Screen - A programmable object that can display user interface objects such as TextLabel, ImageLabel, etc.
• Disk - Stores values in a directory-like format.
• EthernetCable (Optional) - Allows to connect to Objects from Ports, this object is highly recommended.

The code below is code for a smart turret that takes chat commands and targets players accordingly, with the command "target playername"

local Gyro = GetPartFromPort(1, "Gyro") -- Gets gyro attached to port 1
local Microphone = GetPartFromPort(2, "Microphone") -- Gets microphone attached to port 2
local Commanders = { -- List of usernames allowed to use the smart turret
  ["Robuyasu"] = true;
}
-- Connects to the microphone, adding an event to it that will listen for chat input
Microphone:Connect("Chatted", function(Player, Message) 

  -- This simply makes sure that the player speaking is allowed to run a command
  if not Commanders[Player] then return end

  if Message:lower():sub(0, 6) == "target" then -- If the message starts with target
    local Victim = Message:sub(8) -- Gets the rest of the message
    Gyro:Configure({Seek=Victim}) -- Configures the seeker to target that person
  end
end)

There are many functions in Pilot.lua that allow you to interact with other objects. These are the following default functions listed.

• GetPort(ID) - Returns a port instance that can be used in other functions.
• GetPartFromPort(ID or Port Instance, ClassName) Returns a part if found directly attached to a port. An example would be GetPartFromPort(2, "Screen")
• TriggerPort(ID or Port Instance)
• GetPartsFromPort(ID or Port Instance, ClassName) Returns multiple parts if found directly attached to a port. Must have "for i = number, number" command in Microcontroller to function.

All objects will contain certain programmable properties and functions. However, all instances will contain the following properties:

• Configurable properties, for example an ionrocket's thrust speed property
• ClassName, which is simply the name of the object
• Object:Trigger(), which simply triggers the object
• Object:Configure({Property=NewValue}), which configures the part to the given dictionary/table
• Object:Connect, which is similar to roblox connections (part.Touched:Connect). An example includes TouchTrigger:Connect("Touched", function() end)

Certain parts however will have their own special properties.

• Screen
  • Screen:CreateElement(GUIClassName, Properties), an example includes Screen:CreateElement("TextLabel", {Text = "Hello World!"; TextScaled = true});
  • Screen:ClearElements(), which clears all elements in a gui

Resources

• There is currently one player-made wiki, murpyh's
• Some information on parts can be found at mawesome's part list site, though some information is inaccurate or not displayed there

Programming Examples

A flappy bird arcade machine, made by iiMurpyh