side4linux, a
simple integrated development environment!
side4linux
Vision and Mission Statements
Our
Vision
The
vision is to create an Integrated Development Environment that provides
all of the resources necessary to build and maintain machine
controllers via the
Linux[1] Operating System. The project will be free to use/alter and distribute under
the terms of the GPL, and free as in beer.
The
Mission
To action
our Vision we will,
- Ensure that
only Open Source programs with the source code provided are included in
the Project.
- Ensure that
only copies of freely available documentation are included in the Project.
- Ensure that
references to Commercial enterprises are limited to,
- Publishers
of
literature which directly supports the available documentation and
Demo's.
- Component
suppliers where special components are used in Machine Controllers.
- Full
disclosure of the Project sponsorship/funding.
- Create an
Integrated Development Environment including,
- A source
code editor capable of source code highlighting that can manage all
compilers/assemblers required.
- A Menue
driven, Project sensitive, Tool
Launcher.
- A Menue driven, Project sensitive, interface that launches
external Open Source programs.
- Full
Project Management facilities.
- Provide
additional Tool Sets required to manipulate data such as,
- 2d
virtual machines for visualised machining on a VDU prior to commitment.
- Programs
that can read execution files and download them to the Machine
Controller for processing.
- Avoid
the need to install a Real Time Kernel by the design of
a dedicated Machine Controller PCB (MC-1) based on the Atmel AVR
microprocessor.
- Provide sample software for Machine Controllers written in AVR assembly
code suitable for use with the AVRA Assembler.
- Provide
sample Linux control programs that can supervise the Machine Controller
(MC-1) written in ANSI C.
- Provide an HTML Help browser
interface as well as comprehensive HTML based
Help for designers, users and implementors.
- Maintain
a Website to,
- Enable
the advertising of the Project.
- Allow
user interaction/involvement in the design process.
- Provide
Internet access to complete copies of the Source Code/Schematics etc.
for all of the Project under the GPL via SourceForge.
- Implement a
defined Product directory storage structure to,
- Assist
System Administrators in backing up data.
- Ensure
that products are stored by type so that others may find and update
work later.
- Ensure
Project establishment and rebuilding from project file is consistent
and easy to understand.
- Implement
Safety Audits and Notification Procedures which will include,
- Advising
users/implementors via the Website and Help system of any
hazard that is brought to our attention.
- Provide
mechanisms via SUDO so that System Administrators can provide authorised
operators with access to the Tools that drive machinery.
[1] "Linux" is the registered trade
mark
of Linus Torvalds.
Road
Map,
- Establish
the IDE with some sample tools.
- Add
assembler support for AVR microprocessors.
- Add
compiling support for G-code Projects.
- Add
compiling support for 'C' projects.
- Add
Project file Addition/Subtraction support for 'C' projects.
- Complete
implementing the 'Code Explorer' notebook.
- Add
Schematic and PCB support for use in designing and making the machine
controller.
- Add
Open GL support for the introduction of 3d projects.
- Add
generic support for the manufacture of 'Products'
- Add
Atmel AVR machine tool controller ( MC-1 ) Product.
- Add
AVR 'C' coding support.
- Add
Bipolar Stepper Motor Board PCBS Project to the MC1 Product.
- Add
'Lathedrive' program to connect to a Lathe machine as a
'SIDEtools' Tool.
- Add
sample conversion of a 'Boxford 125 TCL' training computer lathe.
Progress
Statement: 'We are
now at step 12 in the Road map. Updates will be at six month
intervals.'
Please refer to the 'DVD' version
for additional work on the side4linux Project.