The Rocklyte SDK

The Rocklyte SDK is a multi-platform development kit that provides an insulated API for programs so that they do not need to reference the host system's functions. The run-time environment - Rocklyte C.O.R.E. (Component Oriented Runtime Environment) is designed specifically for platform neutrality. Programs developed for our SDK will work on any of our supported platforms (e.g. Windows, Linux) with a simple recompile. You or your business can write programs for our system and deploy them to your customers or colleagues from a single, consolidated base of source code and save on maintaining code for multiple operating systems.

The included functionality covers the simplest features such as resource allocation and managing files, to complex support for graphics, windows, gadgets, audio, databases, languages, cryptography, networking and more. The SDK is component oriented and can be extended with your own components. You can also remove unnecessary components for distribution purposes and avoid any chance of 'code bloat'. Our binaries can be distributed with your program and there is no need for the user to pre-install the Rocklyte C.O.R.E. to the host system - it even works when isolated on a USB stick.

The following features are included:

• Your programs can support both Windows and Linux with a simple recompile. Areas of conflict for the majority of programming tasks are resolved, including file system and networking differences.
• Run-Time debug output can be printed to the console for easy debugging.
• Resource usage at run-time is minimised with the aid of load-on-demand processing features.
• Dynamic resource tracking helps minimise errors. Memory and resource leaks are automatically indicated to you during program execution.
• Use DML scripts to define application interfaces (as easy as writing an HTML document).
• Use Fluid scripts to write programs in multi-platform compatible byte code. Fluid is based on Lua, a very fast and popular scripting language in the gaming community.
• Includes RIPPLE - The Rocklyte Page Layout Engine. RIPPLE provides the same layout capabilities as HTML (and more!), but with an overhead of less than 100Kb. The SDK Manual provides a working example of RIPPLE for you to check out this new and exciting layout engine.
• Database support is included with SQLite, based on the SQL92 standard query langage.
• Integrated ZIP compression.
• Networking is supported, including support for HTTP and RSS requests. SSL is seamlessly incorporated with the networking code and can be activated with minimal effort.
• Supports PNG, PCX and JPEG image files.
• Extensive audio support for sample playback, includes streaming capabilities.
• Digital music support - MOD, MP3, XM, IT and S3M formats included.
• Support for AES cryptography is included.
• Full support for Unicode characters (UTF-8 formatted strings).
• Modular API design allows you to create a customised environment for your project - important if disk space is an issue.
• Publicly available source code
• Over 400 pages of documentation.

For most developers, whether freeware or commercial, the use of the Rocklyte SDK will cost nothing. Charges will apply only if you would like to receive development support, or are distributing our binaries (which are copyright) with your software, or are distributing them as part of a hardware deployment. Please check with us first if starting such a project - we will advise you as to whether or not a license would be required and what you should expect in terms of costs.

To get started, download Athene for your platform and the Rocklyte SDK package from the downloads page. A complete manual is available with further information on usage once you install the SDK on your PC.

Copyright Rocklyte Ltd © 2002-2007.