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3. Programming for the KIPR Link
Using the C Programming Language with the KIPR Link and the KISS IDE
The C programming language is the most widely used systems language. It has been adapted for use
with the KIPR Link via specialized function libraries. The C compiler used with the KIPR Link and the KISS
IDE is the ANSI C compiler included with Linux. There are other compiler environments for the KIPR Link
as well which are not discussed here (check with KIPR for the development status of these). The
Help ..
Documentation
tab for the KISS IDE provides an on-line guide for using C with the KISS IDE and the KIPR
Link. It includes documentation for the specialized function libraries and images of the KIPR motors and
sensors available for the KIPR Link from the KIPR online store. The KISS IDE environment also includes a
simulator for the KIPR Link, not discussed here.
For more information on ANSI C programming pick up an ANSI C programming guide from your local
book store. A recommended beginner’s book is “Absolute Beginner's Guide to C” (2nd Edition) by Greg
Perry. The KISS IDE on-line guide also incorporates a short C tutorial, best suited for those already
familiar with another programming language or who are rusty with C.
To write a C program for the KIPR Link, set up your KIPR Link as described in the Quick Start Guide,
proceeding to the "Edit/Save/Download the Program File" step. Use one of the C templates. Your
program will have a file tab on the KISS IDE interface, which will have a tab labeled "
* Untitled
" until you
save it, after which the label on the tab will be the file name under which you are saving it (for a C
template, the KISS IDE automatically saves with a ".c" suffix, which the system uses as a signal that the C
compiler is the correct one for the file). Each time you repeat this process, you will get a new file tab.
You can use the tabs to move among several programs, perhaps for an action like copy/paste. The file
that is visible is the one being edited.
