Setting up Ubuntu 16.04 for development

Essential

Installing ROS kinetic

Follow this tutorial to install ROS kinetic

Go into the /ros_ws directory in the project and run

rosdep install -y --from-paths src --ignore-src --rosdistro kinetic

to autoatically install all dependencies.

You might need to install catkin-tools:

sudo apt-get install python-catkin-tools

In general, it is hepful to have a look at the .travis.yml file in the project root directory, as it contains instructions to install ROS and build the project on a fresh install of Linux.

Enable proprietary graphics card drivers

Go to "Software and Updates" -> "Additional drivers" and enable proprietary drivers. If you don't do this, the simulated Lidar in gazebo might not work properly.

Optional

Setup Gitkraken

• Install it by
  • downloading the Linux (.deb) from here and installing it
  • or by installing it through the Ubuntu software center
• Navigate to Open a project > Clone > Github.com and select the repository and a local folder

Setup nice looking terminal with zsh

Follow this tutorial.

Setup Visual Studio Code

• Install it by
  • downloading the .deb package (64-bit) from here and installing it
  • or by installing it through the Ubuntu software center
• Install the following extensions
  • C/C++
  • C/C++ Clang Command Adapter
  • C/C++ Intellisense
  • CMake
  • CMake Tools
  • ROS
  • Msg Language Support
  • URDF
• You may have to install clang by tying in the terminal: sudo apt-get install clang
• Inside VSCode go to File > Open Folder and open the catkin-workspace (called ros_ws in our case). Syntax highlighting for ROS will only work if you open the catkin-workspace (the folder should also contain a .catkin_workspace file, if not -> build the project once trough the terminal using catkin_make)
• If errors appear on some of the includes, like for example on #include <time.h> click the little lamp and select the path of your ROS installation