MARS Framework Extension for VS Code

Welcome to the Official STZ Robotics MARS Framework Extension. This tool is designed to supercharge the workflow of FRC software teams by integrating project scaffolding, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and telemetry management directly into Visual Studio Code.

Key Features

Project Builder

Forget about manual cloning and configuring. The Project Builder automatically fetches the latest MarsTemplate, clears the git history for a fresh start, and automatically injects your FRC Team Number directly into the WPILib preferences.

Advanced Module Scaffolding

Stop writing boilerplate code. Right-click any folder inside your project to generate a complete MARS Module architecture in seconds. It automatically creates and routes:

• Hardware I/O Interfaces (IO.java)
• Module Requests & Actions (Request.java)
• Diagnostic Status Codes (Code.java)
• Request Factories (RequestFactory.java)
• Modular Subsystem & Telemetry (Subsystem.java)

Over-The-Air (OTA) Ecosystem Updates

Keep your team on the same page without passing ZIP files around. With a single click from the Side Panel, the extension checks GitHub Releases to download, extract, and install the latest versions of:

• MARS GCS (Ground Control Station)
• Alloy Dashboard (Telemetry & Diagnostics)
• MARS LogTool (Log requests)

Persistent Framework Settings

Configure your default Team Number, workspace paths. The extension saves your preferences globally in VS Code, ready to be injected into any new project you create.

Installation (VSIX)

1. Download the latest mars-framework-x.x.x.vsix file provided by the software lead.
2. Open Visual Studio Code.
3. Navigate to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
4. Click the ... (Views and More Actions) menu on the top right of the Extensions panel.
5. Select Install from VSIX... and choose the downloaded file.
6. Reload VS Code.

Usage Guide

Mission Control Panel

Once installed, you will see the MARS Framework logo on your VS Code Activity Bar (left side). Click it to open the Mission Control Panel, where you can:

• Launch the Project Builder.
• Boot up the MARS GCS or Alloy Dashboard directly from your project's release folders.
• Deploy code or run local simulations.
• Access the Framework Settings.

Creating a New Module

1. Open your FRC Project in VS Code.
2. Navigate to your core/modules folder (or wherever you want the module to live).
3. Right-click the folder and select Mars: Create Module.
4. Enter the name of your subsystem (e.g., Intake, Climber, Shooter).
5. The extension will generate the folder, the 5 required architectural files, and copy the KeyManager constant to your clipboard automatically.

Built with by STZ Robotics Software Team.