ROS2 + Docker + VSCode Dev Containers

Overview

This repository provides a VS Code Dev Container setup for ROS2 Humble development , leveraging Docker to create an isolated, reproducible development environment. It integrates the Docker images from DockerForROS2Development repo into a Dev Container for seamless development in VS Code.

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu (preferred)
• VS Code : Download and install from here.
• Dev Containers Extension : Install the Dev Containers extension in VS Code.

• Docker Installation

  # Install Docker using convenience script
  curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
  sudo sh ./get-docker.sh
  
  # Post-install configuration
  sudo groupadd docker
  sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

• Reboot before proceeding further

Verify Docker installation:

docker run hello-world

Setting Up the Dev Container

• Clone this repository :

  https://github.com/soham2560/ros2_tutorial_repo 
  # Navigate to ros2_tutorial_repo directory and open VSCode 
  code .

• To enter the container

  • Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
  • Search for "Rebuild and Reopen in Container" and select it.
  • VS Code will automatically build and open the container.

• Using the Development Tools :

  • Click Import Libs to fetch dependencies.
  • Click Build WS to compile the ROS2 workspace.

Note: These features require the following VS Code extensions:

• Dev Containers
• Action Button

Working with ROS

• Open two Terminals

• Check ROS Humble Installation

  # In one Terminal
  ros2 run demo_nodes_cpp talker

  # In another Terminal
  ros2 run demo_nodes_py listener

• You should see communication between the nodes if everything is working correctly.

Dev Container Configuration

This repository provides the following pre-configured Dev Container setup :

• devcontainer.json : Defines the VS Code Dev Container environment.
• Dockerfile : Builds the container using the Humble Garden Docker image.
• Preinstalled Extensions :
• ROS2 Development Tools
• Docker Support
• C++ & Python Development Tools
• YAML & XML Support

For advanced customization, edit the devcontainer.json file.

Credits

This work is built on the Docker images provided by soham2560/DockerForROS2Development. This repository extends that work by integrating it with Dev Containers for a streamlined ROS2 development experience.

For more information, check out projects from:

• rahulkatiyar19955
• MIT Tech Team