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Lesson 3.4: Using int Values to Count Cycles and Repetitions

Technical Context​

Counting discrete events — such as the number of game elements scored or the number of times an intake has cycled — requires whole numbers. Using the int datatype prevents logic failures where a robot might try to score "2.5 times," which is physically impossible and would crash the program's logic flow.

When int Is the Right Tool​

An int (integer) is a 32-bit primitive used for whole numbers ranging from approximately −2 billion to +2 billion. In robotics, int is essential for indexing through arrays of motors or counting the specific number of encoder ticks reported by a DcMotor. Unlike double, an int does not store decimal information; if you divide 5 by 2 using integers, Java will return 2, completely discarding the remainder.

Annotated Code​

@TeleOp(name="Cycle_Counter")
public class CycleCounter extends OpMode {

    // Declaring an int to store the total count of scored items
    int pixelCount = 0;
    boolean wasPressed = false;

    @Override
    public void init() {
        telemetry.addData("System", "Counter Reset to Zero");
    }

    @Override
    public void loop() {
        // Incrementing the integer count on each new button press
        if (gamepad1.a && !wasPressed) {
            pixelCount++; // Shorthand for pixelCount = pixelCount + 1
        }
        wasPressed = gamepad1.a;
        telemetry.addData("Pixels Scored", pixelCount);
    }
}

Fill-in-the-Blank Practice​

  1. The datatype used for whole numbers without any decimal places is __________.
  2. When dividing two integers, Java performs __________ division, where any remainder is discarded.
  3. A standard integer in Java is a/an __________-bit signed value.
Show answers
  1. int
  2. integer (truncating) division
  3. 32

Template Challenge​

Robot Scenario: Your autonomous requires the robot to keep track of how many "laps" it has completed. Declare an int variable and increment it every time the "B" button is pressed.

Unit 3 simulator
Tracks `String`, `double`, `boolean`, and `int` variables as you edit.
Supports telemetry, `gamepad1`, simple `if` blocks, and basic `setPower()` math.
Does not simulate full hardware behavior or complex Java control flow.
Show answer
int laps = 0;

@Override
public void init() {
    laps = 0;
}

@Override
public void loop() {
    if (gamepad1.b) {
        laps++;
    }
    telemetry.addData("Laps completed", laps);
}

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