SDK

Screenshot of the Customs Aide bot in AWGate

The Active Worlds Software Development Kit (SDK), first released on September 8th, 1998, is a Client-API (Application Interface for programming client applications) targeted at the programmer community within Activeworlds.

It provides an easy way for programmers to develop applications that function within the Active Worlds virtual environment. The most common type of application for the SDK is a bot (typically an avatar that inhabits a virtual world and interacts with users, but which is driven by a computer program instead of a human being), however there are many other potential applications. For example, the SDK could be used to develop an automated program that explores a world and creates a map. Also, the SDK allows universe administrators to develop administration utilities to help manage their own Active Worlds universes.

The core component of the SDK is the file aw.dll, a Windows DLL that implements the entire Active Worlds client/server protocol. To develop an application using the Active Worlds SDK, a programmer simply writes a C program which includes the header file aw.h and links to the import library aw.lib. The compiled executable can be run from any PC anywhere as long as that PC has a network connection to the Active Worlds Universe and aw.dll is available on that PC.

SDK Versions

The standard C/C++ and PHP/COM versions of the SDK are available. The SDK can be loaded directly from script engines like Python, node.js, PHP, and many more without a wrapper.

First time users of the SDK should start by downloading the version of the SDK appropriate for them, then reading over these help files and reviewing the sample programs.(1)(2 and PHP)

Introduction

Concepts

• Structure of an SDK application
• Event handlers
• Attributes
• Multiple instances
• Asynchronous operation
• Multithreading model
• Frequently asked questions
• Sample Program 1
• Sample Program 2
• VB.NET Sample Program with SDK .NET Wrapper

Uses

• Property
• Terrain
• Property Format & Code Sniplets
• Elevation Format & Code Sniplets
• World Attributes Format & Code Sniplets
• HUD
• Toolbars
• Movers
• Global mode
• World server administration

Reference

• Attributes
• Data structures
• Events
• Callbacks
• Methods
• Reason codes

Wrappers for Geeks

A third-party wrapper of the C/C++ SDK for .NET is available here: https://github.com/Bloyteg/AW.SDK.Core.

A SDK wrapper for the AutoIt scripting language along with information on how to use it: https://github.com/locodarwin/AWSDK-For-AutoIt

Further third party wrappers for Python, Perl, LUA and Ruby have been available online, yet aren't linked to this site.

Related Links

• SDK Official download page
• Official SDK documentation
• ActiveWorlds SDK .NET Wrapper - Leads to third party site on GitHub