Robocode is a competition where teams code a battle tank in Java. Various battle tanks from various teams will compete against each other and a winner is decided. The prospect of coding virtual tanks to compete against each other is an attractive problem to crack to both entry level and experienced programmers in Java, while the competition is designed for 1st year students. Robocode is an exciting avenue for programmers to build tanks that fire and dodge bullets from other tanks.
RoboCode tanks depend on various AI/ML and computer ammunition to maneuver, attack, and fire. A large computer monitor is projected onto a wall, which works as a game arena. The original version was named as Robot Code and the current name is derived from the same. Robocode is running on a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and needs Java 11 as a minimum. If you want to develop bots for Robocode in the Java programming language, then you need a JDK (Java Development Kit).
Robocode has a GUI application that can be used for running and viewing battles on your local machine. You should use this application for observing how your bots perform in the battle arena against other bots.
Each team should develop strategies and techniques for their tanks, which must autonomously navigate and dodge in the battlefield, and eliminate opponents without manual intervention. These software tanks need to be programmed to avoid being hit. All of their intelligence should come from a single Java file. There is a short interview and inspection prior to the contest, and judges ensure the contestants have created the RoboCode Java used in their submissions with questioning and probing.
The competition is targeted at 1st year programming students. It is intended as an opportunity for fresher years to demonstrate their programming abilities and advance their knowledge of GUI programming, API usage and Artificial Intelligence.
Students from Colleges and Universities throughout Ireland will take part in a National Robocode Finals every year. And, brands such as Lenovo, Microsoft, and more do sponsor this event at various levels. Full details for the event can be found on the website.
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