No-Frills Ada/Mindstorms 2.0 Overview/FAQ

    (If you already know about Ada/Mindstorms and are ready to download it, go here.  Note: the release of 3.0 has been postponed.  3.0 differs from 2.0 only in the inclusion of a simulator. There are no known bugs in 2.0, you can use it with confidence).

What is Ada/Mindstorms?

    Ada/Mindstorms is a programming environment for the Lego Mindstorms ® RCX kit.  It replaces the Mindstorms visual programming language with a programming environment more like conventional computing languages, based on the language Ada.

What is it good for?

    Ada/Mindstorms was designed as a way to teach computer science with robots.  The builtin Mindstorms programming language is great for children, but isn't as well suited to teaching basic computer science concepts like variables, procedures with parameters, and so forth.  Ada/Mindstorms has been used at the college level to teach both CS and Robotics concepts, but it also works well at the high school and even middle school levels.

How much does it cost?

    It's free.

What do I need to run it?

    A PC running Windows and a Lego Mindstorms kit.

Are there other online resources for teaching programming with Mindstorms?

    Yes, dozens.  Here is a good place to start.

Where can I buy LegoMindstorms kits? 

    Most of the big toy stores carry them.  To find one in your area, start at the Mindstorms web site.

I want to try Ada/Mindstorms, what do I do?

    See the top of this page.

Where can I learn more about Ada/Mindstorms?

    Visit the publications section of my web site, all my Ada/Mindstorms papers are there.

Thanks for visiting!