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1.1 Introduction

Ptolemy is extensible in the following ways:

New galaxies can be defined. We do not view this as a programming task, so it is explained in the User's Manual rather than in this Programmer's Manual.
Customized simulation builders and controllers can be created using the ptcl interpreted command language. This language is also covered in the User's Manual.
New functional blocks (stars) can be added to any of the Ptolemy domains. These blocks can be dynamically linked with either ptcl or pigi.
New code generation blocks can be added to existing synthesis domains.
Stars with customized user interfaces and displays can be created using Tcl/Tk.
New simulation and design-flow managers (called targets) can be created.
New domains with new models of computation can be created. This volume explains how to accomplish most of the above. The Kernel Manual, volume 3 of The Almagest, supplements this volume with a detailed listing of all of the classes in the Ptolemy kernel and in the code generation kernel. The sophisticated user, however, who is extending the system in nontrivial ways, will wish to refer to the source code as the ultimate, most complete documentation.
In this volume, we assume familiarity with the terminology and use of Ptolemy. Refer to the User's Manual, and particularly to the glossary contained therein for assistance. We also assume you are familiar with the overall organization of the Ptolemy software, as described in User's Manual.

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