Current State of Development

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 14 views

Introduction

The LookingGlass Virtual World Viewer is a cutting-edge, open-source project that provides a modular framework for a client viewer of virtual world systems. Written in C# and licensed under the permissive BSD license, this innovative tool has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with virtual worlds. In this article, we will delve into the features and capabilities of the LookingGlass Viewer, its current state of development, and what the future holds for this exciting project.

Key Features

The LookingGlass Viewer boasts a range of impressive features that make it an attractive option for developers and enthusiasts alike. Some of the key features include:

Modular Framework: The LookingGlass Viewer is built on a modular framework, allowing developers to easily add or remove features as needed. This flexibility makes it an ideal platform for experimentation and innovation.
C# and BSD License: The project is written in C# and licensed under the BSD license, making it freely available for use, modification, and distribution.
Communication Module: The current version of the LookingGlass Viewer features a communication module that talks Linden Lab Legacy Protocol (LLLP), which is compatible with Second Life(r) and OpenSimulator.
Rendering Modules: The project includes rendering modules for OpenGL (OpenTK) and the Ogre3D graphics engine, providing a range of options for developers to choose from.
Future Development: Other communication and rendering modules are planned for future development, further expanding the capabilities of the LookingGlass Viewer.

Current State of Development

While the LookingGlass Viewer is an exciting project, it is essential to note that the current state of development is alpha. This means that the project is still in its early stages, and it is not yet suitable for casual users to download and run. However, the sources can be downloaded and built for the Windows XP and Windows 7 operating systems with Visual Studio. A binary installation package is also planned for release in the near future.

Technical Details

For developers interested in exploring the LookingGlass Viewer in more detail, here are some technical specifications:

Programming Language: C#
License: BSD
Operating Systems: Windows XP and Windows 7
Development Environment: Visual Studio
Rendering Engines: OpenGL (OpenTK) and Ogre3D

Conclusion

The LookingGlass Viewer is a groundbreaking project that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with virtual worlds. With its modular framework, C# and BSD license, and range of features, this project is an exciting option for developers and enthusiasts alike. While the current state of development is alpha, the project is making steady progress, and a binary installation package is planned for release in the near future. As the LookingGlass Viewer continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities emerge.

Future Development and Roadmap

The LookingGlass Viewer is still in its early stages, but the development team has a clear vision for the future. Some of the planned features and developments include:

Additional Communication Modules: The team plans to add more communication modules to support other virtual world systems and protocols.
New Rendering Engines: The project will also explore the addition of new rendering engines, such as DirectX and Vulkan.
Improved User Interface: The user interface will be improved to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Support for Multiple Platforms: The project will be ported to other operating systems, including Linux and macOS.

Getting Involved

If you are interested in contributing to the LookingGlass Viewer project, there are several ways to get involved:

Source Code: The source code is available on GitHub, and you can contribute to the project by submitting pull requests or reporting issues.
Issue Tracker: The project has an issue tracker where you can report bugs and feature requests.
Community Forum: The project has a community forum where you can discuss the project with other developers and enthusiasts.
Development Team: The development team is always looking for new members to join the project. If you are interested in contributing, please contact the team through the project's website or GitHub page.

Conclusion

Introduction

The LookingGlass Viewer is a cutting-edge, open-source project that provides a modular framework for a client viewer of virtual world systems. With its C# and BSD license, and range of features, this project is an exciting option for developers and enthusiasts alike. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the LookingGlass Viewer.

Q: What is the LookingGlass Viewer?

A: The LookingGlass Viewer is a modular framework for a client viewer of virtual world systems. It is written in C# and licensed under the BSD license.

Q: What is the current state of development?

A: The current state of development is alpha. This means that the project is still in its early stages, and it is not yet suitable for casual users to download and run.

Q: What operating systems are supported?

A: The project can be built for Windows XP and Windows 7 operating systems with Visual Studio.

Q: What rendering engines are supported?

A: The project includes rendering modules for OpenGL (OpenTK) and the Ogre3D graphics engine.

Q: What is the future development roadmap?

A: The development team plans to add more communication modules to support other virtual world systems and protocols, as well as new rendering engines, such as DirectX and Vulkan. The user interface will also be improved to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.

Q: How can I contribute to the project?

A: You can contribute to the project by submitting pull requests or reporting issues on the project's GitHub page. You can also join the community forum to discuss the project with other developers and enthusiasts.

Q: What is the license under which the project is released?

A: The project is released under the BSD license, which is a permissive free software license.

Q: Can I use the LookingGlass Viewer for commercial purposes?

A: Yes, you can use the LookingGlass Viewer for commercial purposes, as long as you comply with the terms of the BSD license.

Q: Is the LookingGlass Viewer compatible with Second Life(r) and OpenSimulator?

A: Yes, the LookingGlass Viewer is compatible with Second Life(r) and OpenSimulator, thanks to its communication module that talks Linden Lab Legacy Protocol (LLLP).

Q: What is the future of the LookingGlass Viewer?

A: The development team is committed to continuing the development of the LookingGlass Viewer, and we can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities emerge in the future.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest developments?

A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest developments by following the project's GitHub page, community forum, or social media channels.

Conclusion

The LookingGlass Viewer is an exciting project that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with virtual worlds. With its modular framework, C# and BSD license, and range of features, this project is an attractive option for developers and enthusiasts alike. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with the information you need to get started with the LookingGlass Viewer.