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Why use GML?

A comprehensive rapid development environment

Renishaw has developed the GML to be a comprehensive rapid development environment (RDE), consisting of an underlying C++ geometry library, complete with its own application and 3D visualiser. This complete environment facilitates the rapid development of software without the need for additional expensive development and visualisation tools.

The geometric libraries are a robust and reliable foundation on which to build code, and include the standard features that you’d expect from a geometry library, as well as many more specialist routines. By linking to the library at different levels, you can use the parts of the library you require; from the fundamental base types to more advanced functionality.

The GML is flexible and extensible. When your code is ready for production, release-ready application software can simply be swapped in, including your own preferred 3D visualiser, allowing production-quality software to be developed at R&D pace.

If functionality is needed that isn’t covered by the core GML, the library can quickly and easily be extended to meet your requirements. Even the visualiser can be extended to allow you to quickly test the code you are developing.

The GML has been built to be extremely versatile. However, since we are aware that every project comes with its own set of unique requirements, and that a user may require specific functionality that isn’t available from the core library, Renishaw also offers a bespoke development service. This means we can quickly adapt the library to meet your needs.

Build or buy

If you are developing an application that requires geometric modelling functionality, you have three options: to create your own library, to use an open-source library or to buy an existing proprietary library.

Unfortunately, all three of these options have drawbacks: developing your own can be very expensive and time consuming, community based open-source software does not always have adequate support structures backing it up, and existing packages can be limited, restrictive and are often not extendable.

Renishaw’s GML package offers the best combination of these options. We can provide you with a comprehensive library of mathematical and geometric functionality at a highly competitive price. Furthermore, the GML is fully extendable, allowing you to easily add your own functionality, fully integrated into the GML’s GUI environment.

With our extensive support, and bespoke development services, together we can build long term solutions that will match your requirements precisely. This way, you can have the advantages of an in-house build without the hassle and expense of building it yourself.

With its intuitive programming interface, documentation and example code, GML allows developers to quickly begin extracting value from the library. Unlike most 3rd party software, the GML can be extended through an add-in mechanism, allowing for faster and more flexible code development. Full integration of these add-ins with the GML GUI allows non-developers to work with your bespoke functionality, as well as the native functionality, allowing fast and efficient process prove-out. And, of course, your add-ins, along with the GML, can form components in your own applications.

What now?

If you have everything you need, please download the trial software. If you require more information, read on to learn more about the GML features, its architecture and how Renishaw use it. For anything else, including pricing queries, email us at gmlsupport@renishaw.com or call us on +44 (0)1453 524990.