G System

The G System is a free and open source simulation framework and virtual reality.

The framework provides network distributed operation, which allows for huge simulations.

The virtual reality created with the G System, called G Universe,focuses on evolution, thus creating a virtual, multi-user, evolving universe with both adventurous and scientific aspects.

G System 0.5.1
released 11th June 2005,
26 days after 0.5.0

This release, being mainyl a bug fix over 0.5.0, includes some new features as well, especially on the G World Engine part regarding database and network.

LIBRARIES

G Core System (GCS):
* GCS::GObject does not store the IDs of the children anymore
* GCS::GWorldData can now return a list of children of an element

G World Engine (GWE):
* Bugs fixed concerning connecting to the G Universe
* Mutex deadlocks fixed that prevented the demo to run
* XMPP Presence subscriptions are now handled and in use
* Added new GStorage class wich implements a Qt based database layer,
every database supported by Qt is supported by the G System,
tested and known to work so far: QSQLITE, QMYSQL3, QPSQL7
* GStorage now used instead of GXmlStorage
* All GXmlNetwork related classes have been removed
* Fixed iterator bug that could cause crashes
* The factory has been adapted to the new database options


BINARIES

guniverseclient:
* Extracted the communication/chat area into a separate widget
* Now differentiates between internal and external contacts in the
contact list.
* The default configuration file is now in $HOME/.guniverseclient.xml
This makes it easy to have different configurations for every user


MISC

installer:
* 2 questions less :)


G System 0.5.0
released 16th May 2005,
206 days after 0.4.1

This release can be seen as THE release of the G World Engine.
The GWE received enormous improvements like a factory, advanced
data controlling including functional networking between G System
servers servers and servers clients. The G System is now
multi-user capable out-of-the-box. Public servers are now available
as well (listed on homepage).

LIBRARIES:

G Core System (GCS):
* Element wide data storage implemented, shared by all agents
* Agent improvements to work with this data interface
* Interface improvements
* Received influences are now const, the received energy is
added to the element's energy automatically.

G Basic Elements (GBE):
* Much cleanup, unneeded agents removed.
* Remaining agents updated to work with the improved GCS design.

G World Engine (GWE):
* Consider this as a complete new version, almost nothing remained
as before, please look at the technical documentation to learn
more about it.
* Some highlights include:
* highly object oriented design
* XML transformations of element data
* XMPP network layer (http://www.xmpp.org and http://www.jabber.org)
* server to server and client to server protocol implemented
* a factory for easy initialization and configuration (GOD uses it)
* public interface (factory, controllers) separated from implementation

G Client Engine (GCE):
* Rendering performance improved, works well even with software rendering
* FPS counter
* Element information output (position,...)
* Server names for elements are displayed.
* Smoother camera movement


BINARIES:

gdemo:
* Updated to work with current libraries

guniverse:
* New
* Qt-based, no X Server required
* Creates a G Universe master server
* Initializes the GWE according to a configuration file (see GOD)
* Creates a G Universe (see guniverseclient)

guniverseclient:
* New
* KDE-based, graphical
* Communication with others through the Jabber/XMPP network, this also works
with external contacts! The client can be regarded as an Instant Messager!
* Connects to a G Universe (see guniverse)

GOD (G Options Dialog):
* New
* KDE-based, graphical
* Create and edit configuration files for guniverse and guniverseclient


DOCUMENTATION:

Many improvements in the docs as well, especially about the G World Engine.


MISC:

installer:
* New
* Graphical installer for easy setup (compiling, docs generation, installing)
* Uses kdialog (KDE is required)

Raphael's personal blog:
* Raphael, the maintainer of the G System, has set up a personal blog
* Discusses the development progress of the G System
* Also includes other blog entries, not G System only
* Feedback from users/developers and discussions through comments welcome
* URL: http://raphael.g-system.at/blog