Documentation and help

FlexPendant SDK includes an extensive on-line help module, which comes with the installation of the product. After installing RobotStudio, browse to installation directory for the following documents:

This Application manual - FlexPendant SDK, is the recommended way to get started if you are new to FlexPendant SDK development. It explains how FlexPendant SDK works. It has code examples in C# and VB and provides hands-on exercises.

The Application manual is provided in two formats, HTML Help and PDF. HTML is the recommended format for the PC screen and PDF is the best choice if you want printouts.

Note
The Application manual PDF can be found in the installation directory.

The Reference Manual FlexPendant SDK should be used while programming. It makes up the complete reference to the FlexPendant SDK class libraries. Method signatures are provided in C# and Visual Basic.

Please note that they are integrated with the Visual Studio Help function. Clicking F1 when pointing at code, for example, will open the Visual Studio Programmer’s Reference or the .NET Framework Class Library for the specific language and topic. Many times this is what you want, but if your problem is FlexPendant SDK related you need to open the appropriate SDK Reference Help to find a solution.

Note
You are recommended to keep the help files open while programming, as you will frequently need them for FlexPendant SDK related issues.

Good usability is achieved when the program itself communicates possible actions and how to perform them. To encourage careful design of the visual appearance the FlexPendant Style Guide is also part of the installation. It is ABB Robotics’ best practices for visual design of the FlexPendant user interface.

ABB Robotics launched a community named RobotStudio Community, for its PC Software users. The Developer Tools in Developer Section of RobotStudio Community has information and some videos about programming with the FlexPendant SDK. At Content Sharing there is a complete FlexPendant SDK application available for download. It is recommended for average users and for beginners.

ABB encourage open conversations and believe everyone has something to contribute. The User Forum of RobotStudio Community has a section dedicated to robot application development. Here beginners as well as experts discuss code and solutions online. If you are facing a coding problem the User Forum should be your first choice, as there is a good chance that someone will give you the help you need to proceed.

RobotStudio Community also provides the means to share code and videos. Your contribution will be appreciated. Working together is many times the key to success.

Tip
Try it out at RobotStudio Community.

MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) is one of many sources of information for general programming issues related to .NET and Visual Studio.