For Developers

Our Code Has Moved!

We migrated the code for all extensions and libraries over to Google Code . Doing so increases transparency and ease of maintenance. We have also added C# project files for every extension, so that developers can quickly download and compile code using a MS Visual Studio product (C# express is free) or other open-source IDEs (see below).

In addition, the Landis Spatial Modeling Library (LSML) is also open-source and available via Google Code (LSML and Utility Library). The LSML could be used for any landscape model that needs interactions among raster cells. Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) is incorporated into LSML and therefore it can read and write a large variety of common raster formats (*.img, etc.). We encourage ANY model developer to consider using LSML for their next landscape modeling project - by expanding the user base, we hope to create a robust and powerful tool that would enable cross-model sharing and integration of modeling components and tools.

Bulletin Board for Developers

We have added a Google Group for LANDIS-II Developers. This is a moderated group devoted to questions about programming for LANDIS-II. There is a separate bulletin board for model users.

Tools for Developing Extensions

LANDIS-II is written with the C# programming language

In order for LANDIS-II extensions to interact with the core framework, they must be written in C#. Version 6 was developing using various integrated development environments (IDEs). There are several options listed below. After installing a compatible IDE, a developer can download the source code from Google Code (see above) and launch the associated C# project file (*.csproj). If the necessary LANDIS-II components are installed on the developers computer (e.g., the core), the developer will be able to immediately compile any changes they make to the extension or library.

Visual Studio Express 2010

Microsoft's fully functioning IDE which includes Visual C#. Visual Studio Express is free.

MonoDevelop

An open-source IDE. MonoDevelop will also read and compile the csproj files we are using.

The History of LANDIS-II Development

For the most curious, the archive of the first LANDIS-II release (v5.0) is now available.