Introduction to ROS 2 – What Is ROS 2?

Robot Operating System (ROS) can be confusing, as evidenced by its name. It’s difficult to know what it is exactly, what it contains, and what it does. Also, why do you even need ROS, and when should you use it?

Before getting started, it is okay to be confused—most people are. Although ROS is one of the best tools to learn and develop robotics applications, it also comes with a steep learning curve, with the first roadblock being understanding what it is.

In this quick first chapter, I will explain the terminology we will use throughout this book. You will then see why ROS exists, and what problems it can solve for you. After that, we will dive a bit deeper into the four pillars of ROS to understand what it is. You will also see a few examples of when and when not to use it.

By the end of this chapter, you will have a better understanding of the global picture behind ROS and be clear of the most common confusions...