> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cb21829.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cb21829.org/ftc-java-beginner-guide.md).

# FTC Java Beginner Guide

A complete, everything-in-one-place guide for new FTC programmers. Developed by FTC Team 21829 Circuit Breakers.

> **Who this is for:** You know little to no Java, or you know some Java but have never programmed a robot.
>
> **Language & tools:** Everything here uses **Java** in **Android Studio** with the official **FTC SDK**.

This guide is now split into chapters so each topic is easier to read and reference.

### Chapters

1. [How the FTC software system works](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/how-the-ftc-software-system-works.md)
2. [Setting up your environment](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/setting-up-your-environment.md)
3. [Java principles you actually need for FTC (OOP)](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/java-principles-you-actually-need-for-ftc-oop.md)
4. [Your first OpMode](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/your-first-opmode.md)
5. [Hardware fundamentals: motors and servos](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/hardware-fundamentals-motors-and-servos.md)
6. [TeleOp: driving the robot with gamepads](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/teleop-driving-the-robot-with-gamepads.md)
7. [Telemetry and debugging](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/telemetry-and-debugging.md)
8. [Structuring your code](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/structuring-your-code.md)
9. [Autonomous: encoders, the IMU, and heading correction](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/autonomous-encoders-the-imu-and-heading-correction.md)
10. [Reference examples (complete, copy-pasteable)](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/reference-examples-complete-copy-pasteable.md)
11. [Where to go next](/ftc-java-beginner-guide/where-to-go-next.md)

### After this guide

When you finish these chapters, continue to the [FTC Java Advanced Guide](/ftc-java-advanced-guide.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.cb21829.org/ftc-java-beginner-guide.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
