Overview

This document discusses how ArchStudio can be run as a user, as well as how developers can create and contribute changes to ArchStudio.

Setting up as a User

If you just want to install and run ArchStudio as an ordinary user, follow the easy setup instructions. This will let you create a runtime environment in which you can run and use ArchStudio as part of an Eclipse installation.

Developing Extensions for ArchStudio

There are two primary ways to develop ArchStudio extensions. The first is to follow the easy setup instructions, which will install ArchStudio and its constituent parts into Eclipse. You can then create a new Plug-in or Fragment project that depends on these plug-ins and extend ArchStudio through that code. This is only really suitable for small extensions, however.

Developers will probably prefer the second method, as it is much easier and more flexible—checking out and building ArchStudio from source.

To add new components to ArchStudio, you need to modify the archstudio4.xml file, which adds your component(s), connector(s), and links to the ArchStudio 4 xADL description. This file is generated by the Description class in the ArchStudio source tree.

If your component is nearing completion, you can contact Eric Dashofy about possible inclusion of the component in the next release of the ArchStudio 4 environment.

Comments? Questions?

Comments or questions on this tutorial should go to Eric Dashofy.