When diving into the realm of Robotics Operating System (ROS), it's common to feel overwhelmed by the various distributions available.

To ease into this complex world, I recommend starting with ROS1 Noetic. This version is ideal for legacy projects in the industrial field, providing a solid foundation in ROS framework understanding. By working with ROS1 first, you can grasp essential concepts such as architecture, node communications, robot simulation, and application development. This knowledge will prove invaluable when handling existing robotics projects in industries.

After gaining proficiency in ROS1, the next step is transitioning to ROS2 Humble, taking into account its End of Life (EOL) in May 2027. ROS2 Humble offers advanced features and improvements over ROS1, making it an essential upgrade for those looking to stay current in the field of robotics software engineering. By familiarizing yourself with ROS2 Humble, you can prepare for the future advancements and changes in the industry, ensuring that your skills remain relevant and in-demand.

Looking further ahead, it's beneficial to plan for the transition to ROS2 Jazzy Jalisco in the next 3 to 4 years. This version will likely introduce even more enhancements and optimizations, keeping you at the forefront of robotics software engineering.

By following this suggested progression from ROS1 to ROS2 Humble and eventually to ROS2 Jazzy Jalisco, you can build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in robotics software development, empowering you to excel in the ever-evolving field of advanced manufacturing solutions.

One of the key advantages of working with ROS2 is the high level of compatibility between different distributions. This means that the majority of robotics applications developed in one ROS2 distribution, whether it's Humble, Iron, Foxy, or any other, can be easily ported to run on other distributions without much hassle. This is a significant benefit for developers and engineers as it allows for greater flexibility in choosing the right distribution for their specific project requirements without the fear of extensive rework or compatibility issues.