Downloads:

You need to download Docker Desktop for Mac here: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/

As well as VS Code from here: https://code.visualstudio.com/download

Clone The Workspace Repo

Open a Terminal (Cmd+Space, type terminal, hit enter).

Now type

cd 
git clone -b osx https://github.com/johnny555/4robots_ws.git

The first cd will take you to your computers home folder.

The git command will clone the repo to your computer. Note the -b osx part will clone a special branch that sets things up just for Mac users.

Next we will move into the new directory created by that command

cd 4robots_ws

And now we will start vs code from inside that folder.

Start Docker Desktop

Install and open docker desktop.

You don't need to do anything to Docker, it just needs to be running.

Open VS Code

Open the folder 4robots_ws in your home folder.

Install the "Dev Containers" extension

In VS Code, install the Dev Containers extension. Either click the extension icon on the left, or use the keyboard shortcut Cmd+Shift+X.

Search for the "Dev Containers" extension and install it.

Open Folder In Dev Container

In VS Code hit Ctrl+Shift+P and then search for/select

Dev Containers: Open Folder In Container...

To open the current folder in a dev container.

Look for the blue Dev Container text in the bottom left to know you have completed the step.

Run Gazebo Task

Now that you are in the dev container. Run the Gazebo task.

cmd+shift+p -> Run Task -> Gazebo Test

It will seem like nothing has happened. We need to go and open the web-browser.

Web Browser For Access

Now using Safari go to http://localhost:8080/vnc.html

Click the "connect" button.

You should see a desktop, with half of a Gazebo simulation window.

Right click on the task bar in the bottom of the window (you might need to scroll down) and click maximise. This will maximize Gazebo so you can see it fully.

Experiment With Gazebo

Now you have it install, experiment with Gazebo.

Try moving the shapes around. Try turning the simulation on and off with the orange play button.

Congratulations! You have taken the first step and gotten your computer ready to Become A Roboticist.