I am very interested in running Robotc for my son's NXT. He is not yet ready for the C language. I have been introducing him to the block level programming right from the Lego software. He is grasping it well and I know that someday he will progress into the C environment. Or whatever else is available when that time comes.

But my question before I download/purchase robotc is will I be able to float back and forth easily between the environments. As I understand it, I need to have the NXT boot into a firmware that will understand the communication streams coming from robotc. And if correct, will my 9 year old son be able to switch easily back to the Lego program and work with his blocks?

Thanks!

No, you will have to re-download the firmware to the NXT. That only takes a couple of seconds though, and only rarely goes wrong.

But if it does go wrong you're kinda screwed.

At one time in the since purchasing the NXT, we upgraded the firmware on the NXT. Is it as simple as opening the default Lego program and doing the download from there with the latest Lego firmware?

Yes. You will have to do the same with RobotC when switching back.

In theory, Ernest3.14 is correct. Although I wouldn't describe the transfer of firmware as easy; you run the risk of having to reset the NXT and you will remove all of the previous Firmware's files including the programs.

To me, it would be better (in my opinion) if your budget allows, to get another NXT and have one have the NXT and the other have the RobotC Firmwares.

Have a good day,
P.S. Have a good time programming!