The PNI library stack

../_images/pni-cpp-libraries.png

Fig. 1 The PNI library stack is a collection of C++ libraries developed with the intention to simplify the process of writing application in the PNI field. libpnicore , the library described in this manual is the foundation of this stack. It provides all the basic data structures and facilities used by all other libraries.

libpnicore is one of the PNI libraries developed within the framework of the HDRI project. As shown in Fig. 1 libpnicore it is the foundation for all libraries in the stack. None of them can be used without it. libpnicore provides the basic data structures used by all other PNI libraries. This includes

  • well defined data types
  • multidimensional arrays
  • configuration facilities
  • type erasures.

How to read this manual

For a new user the best way to read this manual is from beginning to the end. One may can omit the next chapter about installation of the library if this is done by your local system administrator. In any case, a new user should should definitely start with Chapter~ref{chapter:using_library}.

The library makes heavy use of C++11 features. There are plenty of websites on the internet explaining those new features. For an experienced C++ programmer the Wiki sitecite{web:cpp11wiki} describing the new features for C++11 might be enough. However, new users with less experience in modern C++ may should purchase one of the excellent books available on this language.

A reader already familiar with libpnicoremay uses this guide as a short reference to the most important features. In any case, more detailed information about each class can be found in the API documentation.