Chapter 1: Using the SDK

This chapter describes the header files and sample files that comprise the Real Visualization SDK.

Introduction

RealSystem™ is based on the Component Object Model (COM) binary standard jointly developed by Microsoft Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation. Because RealSystem is based on COM, you can develop RealSystem components using virtually any programming language. However, if you want to use the sample files provided with the SDK, you must use C++. You should be familiar with COM before you begin developing RealSystem components, such as visualization DLLs.

Note
RealSystem diverges from the COM standard to simplify cross-platform development.

	Note
RealSystem diverges from the COM standard to simplify cross-platform development.

Additional Information
See "Chapter 2: Development Framework" for information on how RealSystem implements COM.

	Additional Information
See "Chapter 2: Development Framework" for information on how RealSystem implements COM.

Contents of the SDK

The following table shows the files included in the Real Visualization SDK.

Files in the Real Visualization SDK
File name	Description
`RealVisSDKv2.pdf`	This document

BufferMode directory	Sample source code for buffer mode
`SampleVisualPlugin.dsp`	Sample plug-in project file
`SampleVisualPlugin.rc`	Resource file
`SampleVisualPlugin.rc2`	Resource file
`SampleVisualPluginBufferMode.cpp`	Sample visualization using buffer mode
`SampleVisualPluginBufferMode.h`	Header file for sample plug-in
`SampleVisualPlugin.dsw`	Workspace file
`pncom.h`	Header file
`pnbastsd.h`	Header file
`guids.cpp`	GUID header file
`resource.h`	Resource header file
`impavisualization.h`	Interface header file
`pnresult.h`	Error codes
`pntypes.h`	Data types
`pnwintyp.h`	Window types
`rmacomm.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmapckts.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmavalue.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmaprefs.h`	Used for configuration settings

WindowMode directory	Sample source code for window mode
`SampleVisualPlugin.dsp`	Sample plug-in project file
`SampleVisualPlugin.rc`	Resource file
`SampleVisualPlugin.rc2`	Resource file
`SampleVisualPluginWindowMode.cpp`	Sample visualization using window mode
`SampleVisualPluginWindowMode.h`	Header file for sample plug-in
`SampleVisualPlugin.dsw`	Workspace file
`pncom.h`	Header file
`pnbastsd.h`	Header file
`guids.cpp`	GUID header file
`resource.h`	Resource header file
`impavisualization.h`	Interface header file
`pnresult.h`	Error codes
`pntypes.h`	Data types
`pnwintyp.h`	Window types
`rmacomm.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmapckts.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmavalue.h`	Used for configuration settings
`rmaprefs.h`	Used for configuration settings

SDK Header Files

The header files in this SDK define the RealSystem interfaces used to create a visualization plug-in. These files contain information that is not listed in the documentation, for example, function variables and return values. Consult both the header files and the documentation when you develop a visualization plug-in.

Sample Files

The BufferMode and WindowMode directories contain sample C++ files, as well as the header and project files required for making visualization plug-ins. If you use the sample files to learn how to build your own visualization plug-ins, you must know how to use C++.

Additional Information
RealNetworks recommends using specific compilers for compiling code based on the sample files. See "Compiling a Plug-In" for more information.