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Review of Visualisation Systems

6.5 Khoros

6.5.1 - Programming language
6.5.2 - General overview and structure
6.5.3 - Software lifecycle
6.5.4 - General Topics
6.5.5 - Training

Khoros 2.0 was designed to be a software development environment, so the support for incorporating new application code is very strong. Khoros is composed of toolboxes, which are simply collections of programs and libraries. Additional application code can be easily added to the system by creating new programs and libraries within a new toolbox [38] [39]. Since the Khoros system comes with complete source code, programming examples are always handy.

6.5.1 Programming language

Khoros is based on the C programming language with support for compiling with Fortran and C++. Support for sh, ksh, csh, and perl scripts as program objects is also available.

6.5.2 General overview and structure

In Khoros, application code is contained within distinct software objects. A software object a complete encapsulation of a program or library and consists of application source code, documentation, user interface information, and configuration. All software objects except libraries can be run independently from the command line, or from the visual programming language Cantata. The following types of software objects can be created.

kroutine: A kroutine object is a non-interactive data processing routine.
xvroutine: An xvroutine is an interactive program with its own graphical user interface.
pane: A pane object is a special type of program object which is simply an alternate user interface for an existing program. Pane objects may be used as a Khoros wrapper for the easy integration of existing non-khoros program.
script: A script object is a utility program which is written in some scripting language. The user interface of the script must be written and maintained by the shell script programmer.
library: A library object is simply a collection of functions which can be called by other libraries or programs.
workspace: A workspace object is a Cantata workspace which has been collapsed down into a software object. Note that a workspace object can also be run from the command line, as well as within Cantata.

6.5.3 Software lifecycle

The Khoros software development tools provide a complete environment which support the iterative process of developing, maintaining, delivering, and sharing software. These tools act as the programmer's assistant by providing automation where possible, enforcing consistency as necessary, and hiding underlying complexity of software configuration, code generators, and documentation formatters. This functionality is provided in the form of three applications which are described below.

Craftsman: The Craftsman application is used to manage toolboxes and software objects. Toolboxes can be created or deleted from here. Software objects within any given toolbox can be created or deleted from here. Editing of a software object is initiated here by launching the Composer application.
Composer: The Composer application is used to edit, manipulate, and compile existing software objects. Composer lets you edit the different parts of the software object such as the source code and the documentation. The user interface of the software object can be interactively edited by launching the Guise application.
Guise: The Guise application is used to interactively create graphical and command-line user interfaces. These applications are all used in a dynamic way, allowing a developer to move easily between the different stages of development.