ros2-engineering-skills

Category: Tools & Productivity | Uploader: dbwls99706 | Downloads: 0 | Version: v1.0（Latest）
(colcon/ament), edits launch files (.launch.py), configures QoS or DDS, writes URDF/xacro,
Changelog: Source: GitHub https://github.com/dbwls99706/ros2-engineering-skills
Directory Structure

Current level: tree/main/
📁 .claude-plugin/
- 📄 marketplace.json 619 B
📁 .github/
- 📁 workflows/
  - 📄 test.yml 3.5 KB
📁 evals/
- 📁 expected/
  - 📄 launch-validation.md 1.0 KB
  - 📄 lifecycle-design.md 1.5 KB
  - 📄 micro-ros-firmware.md 1.1 KB
  - 📄 multi-robot-fleet.md 1.1 KB
  - 📄 package-creation.md 1.4 KB
  - 📄 qos-compatibility.md 1.3 KB
  - 📄 rosbag2-playback.md 1.2 KB
  - 📄 sros2-security.md 1005 B
- 📁 prompts/
  - 📄 launch-validation.md 785 B
  - 📄 lifecycle-design.md 697 B
  - 📄 micro-ros-firmware.md 503 B
  - 📄 multi-robot-fleet.md 624 B
  - 📄 package-creation.md 597 B
  - 📄 qos-compatibility.md 618 B
  - 📄 rosbag2-playback.md 1.0 KB
  - 📄 sros2-security.md 749 B
- 📄 eval.yaml 7.6 KB
📁 references/
- 📄 communication.md 30.1 KB
- 📄 debugging.md 18.8 KB
- 📄 deployment.md 18.4 KB
- 📄 hardware-interface.md 35.5 KB
- 📄 launch-system.md 15.8 KB
- 📄 lifecycle-components.md 24.1 KB
- 📄 manipulation.md 18.2 KB
- 📄 message-types.md 24.4 KB
- 📄 micro-ros.md 17.8 KB
- 📄 migration-ros1.md 16.6 KB
- 📄 multi-robot.md 18.0 KB
- 📄 navigation.md 24.2 KB
- 📄 nodes-executors.md 40.4 KB
- 📄 perception.md 17.7 KB
- 📄 realtime.md 22.2 KB
- 📄 security.md 23.5 KB
- 📄 simulation.md 23.7 KB
- 📄 testing.md 18.0 KB
- 📄 tf2-urdf.md 17.6 KB
- 📄 workspace-build.md 15.4 KB
📁 scripts/
- 📄 create_package.py 41.9 KB
- 📄 eval_runner.py 13.0 KB
- 📄 launch_validator.py 21.5 KB
- 📄 qos_checker.py 24.4 KB
- 📄 rosbag2_qos_checker.py 10.9 KB
- 📄 skill_stop_hook.py 6.0 KB
- 📄 skill_validate_hook.py 8.1 KB
📁 tests/
- 📄 __init__.py 0 B
- 📄 Dockerfile.ros2-test 3.4 KB
- 📄 run_ros2_tests.sh 1.7 KB
- 📄 test_create_package.py 16.5 KB
- 📄 test_integration.py 35.8 KB
- 📄 test_launch_validator.py 18.2 KB
- 📄 test_qos_checker.py 17.6 KB
- 📄 test_qos_property.py 8.9 KB
- 📄 test_rosbag2_qos_checker.py 10.9 KB
- 📄 test_skills2_evals.py 22.7 KB
- 📄 test_skills2_frontmatter.py 9.5 KB
- 📄 test_skills2_hooks.py 24.1 KB
📄 .dockerignore 45 B
📄 .gitignore 168 B
📄 LICENSE 10.5 KB
📄 pytest.ini 101 B
📄 README.md 9.6 KB
📄 setup.cfg 109 B
📄 SKILL.md 28.2 KB
SKILL.md

---
name: ros2-engineering-skills
description: >
  TRIGGER when the user: writes or reviews ROS 2 nodes (rclcpp/rclpy), creates packages
  (colcon/ament), edits launch files (.launch.py), configures QoS or DDS, writes URDF/xacro,
  implements ros2_control hardware interfaces or controllers, sets up Nav2/MoveIt 2 pipelines,
  processes sensor data (camera/LiDAR/PCL), works with Gazebo/Isaac Sim, configures SROS2
  security, develops micro-ROS firmware, manages multi-robot fleets (Open-RMF), debugs with
  ros2 doctor/rosbag2, deploys via Docker/cross-compilation, or migrates from ROS 1.
  DO NOT TRIGGER for general C++/Python questions unrelated to ROS 2, non-robotics middleware,
  or web/mobile development tasks.
context: fork
classification: capability
category: api-reference
version: 1.0.0
deprecation-risk: medium
hooks:
  Stop:
    - type: command
      command: "python3 ${SKILL_ROOT}/scripts/skill_stop_hook.py"
      timeout: 15000
  PreToolUse:
    - type: command
      command: "python3 ${SKILL_ROOT}/scripts/skill_validate_hook.py"
      timeout: 10000
evals:
  - name: qos-compatibility-analysis
    prompt: evals/prompts/qos-compatibility.md
    expected: evals/expected/qos-compatibility.md
    criteria:
      - "Must correctly identify QoS incompatibility between BEST_EFFORT publisher and RELIABLE subscriber"
      - "Must explain DDS RxO (Request-vs-Offered) semantics"
      - "Must suggest switching subscriber to BEST_EFFORT or publisher to RELIABLE"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: package-scaffolding
    prompt: evals/prompts/package-creation.md
    expected: evals/expected/package-creation.md
    criteria:
      - "Must generate valid ROS 2 package with correct directory structure"
      - "Must follow snake_case naming conventions"
      - "Must include lifecycle node support for C++ packages"
      - "Must declare all dependencies in package.xml"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: launch-file-review
    prompt: evals/prompts/launch-validation.md
    expected: evals/expected/launch-validation.md
    criteria:
      - "Must detect missing generate_launch_description function"
      - "Must flag deprecated keywords (node_executable, node_name)"
      - "Must warn about hardcoded paths"
      - "Must identify duplicate node names"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: lifecycle-node-design
    prompt: evals/prompts/lifecycle-design.md
    expected: evals/expected/lifecycle-design.md
    criteria:
      - "Must recommend lifecycle node for hardware driver"
      - "Must describe state transitions (unconfigured → inactive → active)"
      - "Must include error handling with on_error callback"
      - "Must implement safe shutdown in on_deactivate"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: rosbag2-playback-qos
    prompt: evals/prompts/rosbag2-playback.md
    expected: evals/expected/rosbag2-playback.md
    criteria:
      - "Must parse rosbag2 metadata for QoS profiles"
      - "Must identify TRANSIENT_LOCAL playback issues"
      - "Must recommend --read-ahead-queue-size for large bags"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: sros2-security-config
    prompt: evals/prompts/sros2-security.md
    expected: evals/expected/sros2-security.md
    criteria:
      - "Must generate correct SROS2 keystore and enclave CLI commands"
      - "Must set ROS_SECURITY_STRATEGY=Enforce for production"
      - "Must apply least-privilege policy for safety_monitor (subscribe-only except /e_stop)"
      - "Must configure all three DDS security plugins"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: multi-robot-fleet-design
    prompt: evals/prompts/multi-robot-fleet.md
    expected: evals/expected/multi-robot-fleet.md
    criteria:
      - "Must address DDS discovery isolation between robots"
      - "Must define namespace strategy with per-robot prefixes"
      - "Must handle tf frame conventions for multi-robot (frame_prefix)"
      - "Must describe fleet manager communication pattern"
    timeout: 60000
  - name: micro-ros-firmware-design
    prompt: evals/prompts/micro-ros-firmware.md
    expected: evals/expected/micro-ros-firmware.md
    criteria:
      - "Must use rclc API correctly (not rclcpp/rclpy)"
      - "Must configure static memory allocation (no dynamic malloc in publish loop)"
      - "Must include XRCE-DDS agent setup and connection parameters"
      - "Must handle agent disconnection with reconnection strategy"
    timeout: 60000
---

# ROS 2 Engineering Skills

> **Single responsibility:** This skill is an **API reference & code template guide**
> for ROS 2 development. It tells you *how to use ROS 2 APIs correctly* and
> *what mistakes to avoid*. It does NOT do CI/CD orchestration, incident response,
> data analysis, or deployment automation — those are separate skill categories.

A progressive-disclosure skill for ROS 2 development — from first workspace to
production fleet deployment. Each section below gives you the essential decision
framework; detailed patterns, code templates, and anti-patterns live in the
`references/` directory. Read the relevant reference file before writing code.

## How to use this skill

**Progressive disclosure — do NOT read everything at once.**
This skill is structured in layers. Only load what you need for the current task:

1. **This file (SKILL.md)** — always loaded. Contains decision routing, core
   principles, pitfalls, and anti-patterns. Sufficient for answering quick
   questions and making architectural decisions.
2. **`references/*.md`** — load on demand. Use the Decision Router below to
   pick the 1–2 files relevant to the user's current task. Do NOT read all 20
   reference files — that wastes context and causes confusion.
3. **`scripts/`** — run only when the user needs code generation, QoS checking,
   or launch validation. These are tools, not reading material.

**Steps:**
1. If `.skill-runs.log` exists in the workspace, read the last few lines to
   understand what was done and what issues occurred in previous sessions.
2. Identify what the user is building (see Decision Router below).
3. Read **only** the matching `references/*.md` file(s) for detailed guidance.
4. Check the **AI pitfalls** table before generating any code.
5. Apply the Core Engineering Principles in every artifact you produce.
6. When multiple domains intersect (e.g. Nav2 + ros2_control), read both files
   but favor safety > determinism > simplicity when recommendations conflict.

**Execution log:** The Stop hook automatically appends a session summary to
`.skill-runs.log` in the workspace. This lets you see what was validated last
time and what issues were found — check it to avoid repeating past mistakes.

## Decision router

| User is doing...                                  | Read                              |
|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Creating a workspace, package, or build config    | `references/workspace-build.md`   |
| Writing nodes, executors, callback groups         | `references/nodes-executors.md`   |
| Topics, services, actions, custom interfaces, QoS | `references/communication.md`     |
| Lifecycle nodes, component loading, composition   | `references/lifecycle-components.md` |
| Launch files, conditional logic, event handlers   | `references/launch-system.md`     |
| tf2, URDF, xacro, robot_state_publisher           | `references/tf2-urdf.md`         |
| ros2_control, hardware interfaces, controllers    | `references/hardware-interface.md` |
| Real-time constraints, PREEMPT_RT, memory, jitter | `references/realtime.md`         |
| Nav2, SLAM, costmaps, behavior trees              | `references/navigation.md`       |
| MoveIt 2, planning scene, grasp pipelines         | `references/manipulation.md`     |
| Camera, LiDAR, PCL, cv_bridge, depth processing   | `references/perception.md`       |
| Unit tests, integration tests, launch_testing, CI | `references/testing.md`          |
| ros2 doctor, tracing, profiling, rosbag2          | `references/debugging.md`        |
| Docker, cross-compile, fleet deployment, OTA      | `references/deployment.md`       |
| Gazebo, Isaac Sim, sim-to-real, use_sim_time      | `references/simulation.md`       |
| SROS2, DDS security, certificates, supply chain   | `references/security.md`         |
| micro-ROS, MCU/RTOS, XRCE-DDS, rclc              | `references/micro-ros.md`        |
| Multi-robot fleet, Open-RMF, DDS discovery scale  | `references/multi-robot.md`      |
| Message types, units, covariance, frame conventions | `references/message-types.md`    |
| ROS 1 migration, ros1_bridge, hybrid operation    | `references/migration-ros1.md`   |

**Cross-cutting concerns:** Security, error handling, and QoS are not isolated to
single reference files — apply them whenever the data path crosses a trust boundary,
a node owns hardware, or communication reliability matters. Use your judgment about
which cross-cutting concerns apply to the user's specific situation.

## Core engineering principles

These apply to every ROS 2 artifact you produce, regardless of domain.

### 1. Distro awareness

<!-- LAST_UPDATED: 2026-03-30 — Review this table every 6 months or when a new distro is released. -->
<!-- NEXT_REVIEW: 2026-09-30 -->
> **Staleness warning:** The table below was last verified on **2026-03-30**.
> If the current date is more than 6 months past that, re-verify EOL dates and
> feature support against https://docs.ros.org/en/rolling/Releases.html before
> relying on this table. When you update it, change both `LAST_UPDATED` and
> `NEXT_REVIEW` comments above.

Always ask which ROS 2 distribution the user targets. Key differences:

| Feature                   | Foxy (**EOL**)       | Humble (LTS)       | Jazzy (LTS)        | Kilted (non-LTS)   | Rolling            |
|---------------------------|----------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| EOL                       | Jun 2023 (**ended**) | May 2027           | May 2029           | Nov 2025           | Rolling            |
| Ubuntu                    | 20.04               | 22.04              | 24.04              | 24.04              | Latest             |
| Default DDS               | Fast DDS             | Fast DDS           | Fast DDS           | Fast DDS           | Fast DDS           |
| Zenoh support             | —                    | —                  | —                  | Tier 1             | Tier 1             |
| Type description support  | No                   | No                 | Yes                | Yes                | Yes                |
| Service introspection     | No                   | No                 | Yes                | Yes                | Yes                |
| EventsExecutor            | No                   | No                 | Experimental       | Stable (+ rclpy)   | Stable (+ rclpy)   |
| Default bag format        | sqlite3              | sqlite3            | MCAP               | MCAP               | MCAP               |
| ros2_control interface    | N/A (separate)       | 2.x                | 4.x                | 4.x                | Latest             |
| CMake recommendation      | ament_target_deps    | ament_target_deps  | either             | target_link_libs   | target_link_libs   |

When the user does not specify, default to the latest LTS (Jazzy).
Pin the exact distro in Dockerfile, CI, and documentation so builds are reproducible.

### 2. C++ vs Python decision

Choose the language based on the node's role, not personal preference.

**Use rclcpp (C++) when:**
- The node sits in a control loop running ≥100 Hz
- Deterministic memory allocation matters (real-time path)
- The node is a hardware driver or controller plugin
- Intra-process zero-copy communication is required

**Use rclpy (Python) when:**
- The node is orchestration, monitoring, or parameter management
- Rapid prototyping with frequent iteration
- Heavy use of ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) that are Python-native
- The node does not sit in a latency-critical path

**Mixed stacks are normal.** A typical robot has C++ drivers/controllers and Python
orchestration/monitoring. Note: `component_container` (composition) only loads
C++ components via pluginlib. Python nodes run as separate processes, but can
share a launch file and communicate via zero-overhead intra-host DDS.

**Intra-process communication** works for any nodes sharing a process — not only
composable components. Any nodes instantiated in the same process with
`use_intra_process_comms(true)` can use zero-copy transfer.

### 3. Package structure conventions

Every package should follow this layout. Consistency across a workspace reduces
onboarding time and makes CI scripts portable.

```
my_package/
├── CMakeLists.txt          # or setup.py for pure Python
├── package.xml             # format 3, with <depend> tags
├── config/
│   └── params.yaml         # default parameters
├── launch/
│   └── bringup.launch.py   # Python launch file
├── include/my_package/     # C++ public headers (if library)
├── src/                    # C++ source files
├── my_package/             # Python modules (if ament_python or mixed)
├── test/                   # gtest, pytest, launch_testing
├── urdf/                   # URDF/xacro (if applicable)
├── msg/ srv/ action/       # custom interfaces (dedicated _interfaces package preferred)
└── README.md
```

Separate interface definitions into a `*_interfaces` package so downstream
packages can depend on interfaces without pulling in implementation.

### 4. Parameter discipline

- Declare every parameter with a type, description, range, and default
  in the node constructor — never use undeclared parameters.
- Use `ParameterDescriptor` with `FloatingPointRange` or `IntegerRange`
  for numeric bounds. The parameter server rejects out-of-range values at set time.
- Group related parameters under a namespace prefix:
  `controller.kp`, `controller.ki`, `controller.kd`.
- Load defaults from a `config/params.yaml`; allow launch-time overrides.
- For dynamic reconfiguration, register a `set_parameters_callback` and
  validate new values atomically before accepting.

### 5. Error handling philosophy

- Nodes must not silently swallow errors. Log at the appropriate severity,
  then take a safe action (stop motion, request help, transition to error state).
- Prefer lifecycle node error transitions over ad-hoc boolean flags.
- When calling a service, always handle the "service not available" and
  "future timed out" cases explicitly.
- For hardware drivers, distinguish transient errors (retry with backoff)
  from fatal errors (transition to `FINALIZED` and alert the operator).

### 6. Quality of Service defaults

Start from these profiles and adjust per use case:

| Use case              | Reliability   | Durability       | History | Depth | Deadline    | Lifespan    |
|-----------------------|---------------|------------------|---------|-------|-------------|-------------|
| Sensor stream         | BEST_EFFORT   | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 5   | —           | —           |
| Command velocity      | RELIABLE      | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 1   | 100 ms      | 200 ms      |
| Map (latched)         | RELIABLE      | TRANSIENT_LOCAL  | KEEP_LAST | 1   | —           | —           |
| Diagnostics           | RELIABLE      | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 10  | —           | —           |
| Parameter events      | RELIABLE      | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 1000| —           | —           |
| Action feedback       | RELIABLE      | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 1   | —           | —           |
| Safety heartbeat      | RELIABLE      | VOLATILE         | KEEP_LAST | 1   | 500 ms      | 1 s         |

QoS mismatches are the #1 cause of "I published but nobody receives."
Always check compatibility with `ros2 topic info -v` when debugging.

**DEADLINE and LIFESPAN** are critical for safety-critical systems. DEADLINE fires an
event when no message arrives within the specified period (detect stale data). LIFESPAN
discards messages older than the specified duration before delivery (prevent acting on
stale data). See `references/communication.md` section 9 for full API and examples.

### 7. Naming conventions

| Entity      | Convention                  | Example                        |
|-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Package     | `snake_case`                | `arm_controller`               |
| Node        | `snake_case`                | `joint_state_broadcaster`      |
| Topic       | `/snake_case` with ns       | `/arm/joint_states`            |
| Service     | `/snake_case`               | `/arm/set_mode`                |
| Action      | `/snake_case`               | `/arm/follow_joint_trajectory` |
| Parameter   | `snake_case` with dot ns    | `controller.publish_rate`      |
| Frame       | `snake_case`                | `base_link`, `camera_optical`  |
| Interface   | `PascalCase.msg/srv/action` | `JointState.msg`               |

### 8. Thread safety and callbacks

- A `MutuallyExclusiveCallbackGroup` serializes its callbacks — safe for
  shared state without locks, but limits throughput.
- A `ReentrantCallbackGroup` allows parallel execution — you must protect
  shared state with `std::mutex` (C++) or `threading.Lock` (Python).
- **Calling a service from a callback:** The service client **must** be in a
  separate `MutuallyExclusiveCallbackGroup` from the calling callback. Otherwise
  the executor deadlocks — the callback waits for the response while the executor
  cannot deliver it. Always use `async_send_request` with a response callback;
  never use `spin_until_future_complete` inside an executor callback.
- Never do blocking work (file I/O, long computation, `sleep`) inside a
  timer or subscription callback on the default executor. Offload to a
  dedicated thread or use a `MultiThreadedExecutor` with a reentrant group.
- In rclcpp, prefer `std::shared_ptr<const MessageT>` in subscription
  callbacks to avoid unnecessary copies and enable zero-copy intra-process.

### 9. Lifecycle-first design

Default to lifecycle (managed) nodes for anything that owns resources:
hardware drivers, sensor pipelines, planners, controllers.

```
                 ┌──────────────┐
  create() ──►  │  Unconfigured │
                 └──────┬───────┘
            on_configure │
                 ┌──────▼───────┐
                 │   Inactive    │
                 └──────┬───────┘
            on_activate  │
                 ┌──────▼───────┐
                 │    Active     │
                 └──────┬───────┘
           on_deactivate │
                 ┌──────▼───────┐
                 │   Inactive    │
                 └──────┬───────┘
            on_cleanup   │
                 ┌──────▼───────┐
                 │  Unconfigured │
                 └──────┬───────┘
           on_shutdown   │
                 ┌──────▼───────┐
                 │   Finalized   │
                 └───────────────┘
```

This gives the system manager (launch file, orchestrator, or operator) explicit
control over when resources are allocated, when the node starts processing,
and how it shuts down. It also makes error recovery predictable.

### 10. Build and CI hygiene

- Use `colcon build --cmake-args -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=RelWithDebInfo` for
  development; `Release` for deployment.
- Enable `-Wall -Wextra -Wpedantic` and treat warnings as errors in CI.
- Run `colcon test` with `--event-handlers console_cohesion+` so test
  output groups by package.
- Pin rosdep keys in `rosdep.yaml` for reproducible dependency resolution.
- Cache `/opt/ros/`, `.ccache/`, and `build/`/`install/` in CI to cut build
  times by 60–80%.

## Common anti-patterns

| Anti-pattern | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Global variables for node state | Breaks composition, untestable | Store state as class members |
| `spin()` in `main()` for multi-node processes | Starves other nodes | Use `MultiThreadedExecutor` or component composition |
| Hardcoded topic names | Breaks reuse across robots | Use relative names + namespace remapping |
| `KEEP_ALL` history with no bound | Memory grows unbounded on slow subscribers | Use `KEEP_LAST` with explicit depth |
| Using `time.sleep()` / `std::this_thread::sleep_for` | Blocks the executor thread | Use `create_wall_timer` or a dedicated thread |
| Monolithic launch file for everything | Unmanageable past 10 nodes | Compose launch files with `IncludeLaunchDescription` |
| Skipping `package.xml` dependencies | Builds locally, breaks CI and Docker | Declare every dependency explicitly |
| Publishing in constructor | Subscribers may not be ready, messages lost | Publish in `on_activate` or after a short timer |
| Ignoring QoS compatibility | Silent communication failure | Match publisher/subscriber QoS or check with `ros2 topic info -v` |
| Creating timers/subs in callbacks | Resource leak, unpredictable behavior | Create all entities in constructor or `on_configure` |
| Synchronous service call in callback | Deadlocks the executor thread | Use `async_send_request` with a callback or dedicated thread |
| Service client in same callback group as caller | Deadlocks even with async in `MultiThreadedExecutor` | Put service client in a separate `MutuallyExclusiveCallbackGroup` |
| No safe command on shutdown | Motors hold last velocity after node exits | Send zero-velocity in `on_deactivate` AND destructor (see `references/hardware-interface.md`) |
| Dynamic subscriptions with `StaticSingleThreadedExecutor` | New subs are never picked up after `spin()` | Use `SingleThreadedExecutor` or `MultiThreadedExecutor` for dynamic entities |
| CPU frequency governor left on `powersave`/`ondemand` | 10-100 ms latency spikes in RT path | Set `performance` governor, disable turbo boost (see `references/realtime.md`) |

## AI pitfalls — traps this skill has learned from

These are mistakes AI agents repeatedly make when generating ROS 2 code.
**Add a new line here every time a failure is discovered in practice.**

| # | Pitfall | What goes wrong | Correct approach |
|---|---------|----------------|-----------------|
| 1 | Using `spin_until_future_complete` inside a callback | Deadlocks the executor — the callback blocks waiting for a response that can never be delivered | Use `async_send_request` with a response callback; put the service client in a separate `MutuallyExclusiveCallbackGroup` |
| 2 | Generating Foxy-era API for Jazzy/Kilted | `node_executable` is deprecated, `export_state_interfaces()` signature changed in ros2_control 4.x | Always check the distro feature matrix above before generating code |
| 3 | Omitting QoS in publisher/subscriber creation | Defaults silently mismatch — publisher sends but subscriber receives nothing | Always specify QoS explicitly; use the QoS defaults table in Principle 6 |
| 4 | Creating a `msg/` directory inside a non-interfaces package | Builds locally but fails in CI — interface packages need `rosidl_generate_interfaces` | Put messages in a dedicated `*_interfaces` package |
| 5 | Hardcoding `/opt/ros/humble/` paths in launch files | Breaks on any other distro or install prefix | Use `FindPackageShare`, `PathJoinSubstitution`, or environment substitutions |
| 6 | Forgetting `<depend>` tags in `package.xml` | `colcon build` works in overlay but `rosdep install` and Docker builds fail | Declare every `find_package()` / `import` as `<depend>` in package.xml |
| 7 | Using `time.sleep()` for rate control in rclpy | Blocks the executor thread; timers and subscriptions stop firing | Use `create_timer()` or `Rate` with a `MultiThreadedExecutor` |
| 8 | Not sending zero-velocity on deactivate/shutdown | Robot holds last commanded velocity when the node crashes | Send zero-command in both `on_deactivate` and the destructor |
| 9 | Mixing `ament_target_dependencies()` and `target_link_libraries()` | Kilted deprecated `ament_target_dependencies` — mixing causes link errors | Use `target_link_libraries()` with modern CMake targets for Kilted+; `ament_target_dependencies()` for Humble/Jazzy |
| 10 | Generating `rospy` / `roscpp` code instead of `rclpy` / `rclcpp` | ROS 1 patterns in a ROS 2 context — nothing compiles | This skill is ROS 2 only — always use `rclpy`/`rclcpp` APIs |
| 11 | Ignoring `use_sim_time` parameter in simulation | Real clock diverges from Gazebo clock — tf lookups fail, controllers drift | Set `use_sim_time:=true` in launch and pass `--clock` to `ros2 bag play` |
| 12 | Publishing before subscribers connect (no TRANSIENT_LOCAL) | First N messages lost — map, URDF, or initial config never received | Use `TRANSIENT_LOCAL` durability for latched-style data, or publish in `on_activate` with a startup delay |

> **Maintenance rule:** When you encounter a new AI failure pattern while using this
> skill, append it to this table with the next sequential number. The pitfall list
> is the single most valuable section for preventing repeated mistakes.

## Distro-specific migration notes

<!-- LAST_UPDATED: 2026-03-30 — Keep in sync with the distro table in Principle 1. -->
When upgrading between distributions, check these breaking changes first:

**Foxy → Humble:**
- Complete API overhaul. Foxy packages require significant rework.
- `ros2_control` was not bundled in Foxy — must be built separately.
- Lifecycle node API stabilized in Humble.
- Action server/client API changed significantly.

**Humble → Jazzy:**
- `ros2_control` API changed from 2.x to 4.x — `export_state_interfaces()` and
  `export_command_interfaces()` are now auto-generated by the framework. Manual
  overrides use `on_export_state_interfaces()`. See `references/hardware-interface.md`.
- Handle `get_value()` deprecated → use `get_optional<T>()` on `LoanedStateInterface` /
  `LoanedCommandInterface` (controller side). Hardware interfaces use `set_state()` /
  `get_state()` / `set_command()` / `get_command()` helpers with fully qualified names.
- All joints in `<ros2_control>` tag must exist in the URDF.
- Controller parameter loading changed — use `--param-file` with spawner.
- Default bag format changed from sqlite3 to **MCAP**. Use `storage_id='mcap'`.
- Default middleware changed internal config paths. Regenerate DDS profiles.
- `nav2_params.yaml` schema changes — `recoveries_server` renamed to `behavior_server`.
- `ROS_AUTOMATIC_DISCOVERY_RANGE` replaces `ROS_LOCALHOST_ONLY` (values: `LOCALHOST`,
  `SUBNET`, `OFF`, `SYSTEM_DEFAULT`).
- `launch_ros` actions have new parameter handling — test launch files explicitly.

**Jazzy → Kilted (non-LTS):**
- **Zenoh promoted to Tier 1 middleware** — `rmw_zenoh` is production-ready.
  Install: `sudo apt install ros-kilted-rmw-zenoh-cpp`, set
  `RMW_IMPLEMENTATION=rmw_zenoh_cpp`. Supports router/peer/client modes.
- **EventsExecutor graduated from experimental** — available in `rclcpp::executors`
  (no `experimental` namespace). Also ported to rclpy.
- **`ament_target_dependencies()` deprecated** — use `target_link_libraries()` with
  modern CMake targets (e.g. `rclcpp::rclcpp`, `std_msgs::std_msgs__rosidl_typesupport_cpp`).
- Multi-bag replay support in `ros2 bag play`.
- Gazebo **Ionic** is the paired simulator (Harmonic was Jazzy; Ionic is the Kilted pairing).

**ROS 1 → ROS 2:**
- See `references/migration-ros1.md` for a step-by-step strategy.

## Quick reference — ros2 CLI

```bash
# Workspace
colcon build --symlink-install --packages-select my_pkg
colcon test --packages-select my_pkg
colcon graph --dot                       # dependency graph (DOT format)
source install/setup.bash

# Introspection
ros2 node list
ros2 topic list -t
ros2 topic info /topic_name -v          # shows QoS details
ros2 topic hz /topic_name
ros2 topic bw /topic_name
ros2 service list -t
ros2 action list -t
ros2 param list /node_name
ros2 param describe /node_name param
ros2 interface show std_msgs/msg/String

# ros2_control
ros2 control list_controllers
ros2 control list_hardware_interfaces
ros2 control list_hardware_components

# Debugging
ros2 doctor --report                    # alias: ros2 wtf
ros2 run tf2_tools view_frames
ros2 bag record -a -o my_bag
ros2 bag info my_bag
ros2 bag play my_bag --clock

# Lifecycle
ros2 lifecycle list /node_name
ros2 lifecycle set /node_name configure
ros2 lifecycle set /node_name activate
```
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