PresentationInkscapeOverview

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Inkscape: Open Source Scalable Vector Graphics Editor

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Inkscape is an open source SVG editor with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, Visio, etc. Supported SVG features include basic shapes, paths, text, alpha blending, transforms, gradients, node editing, svg-to-png export, grouping, and more.

Inkscape's main motivation is to provide the Open Source community with a fully XML, SVG, and CSS2 compliant SVG drawing tool. Additional planned work includes conversion of the codebase from C/Gtk to C++/Gtkmm, emphasizing a lightweight core with powerful features added through an extension mechanism, and establishment of a friendly, open, community-oriented development processes.

In this presentation, Inkscape will be presented and the community development process discussed.


Introduction

  • Scalable Vector Graphics Editor -- Cross-Platform, Open Source, C++ codebase
  • Started in November of 2003 from the SodiPodi/Gill codebase with 4 devs.
  • Already grown to 10-20 developers by Spring 2004 & still growing
  • This talk is going to be a technical introduction to the project.

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)

  • Like HTML, but for graphics. XML standard for vector graphics
  • Can write in a text editor using a straightforward & obvious syntax
  • Vector vs. Raster
    • Raster is an array of dots that "appear" to be shapes
      • Pro: With sufficient resolution can be photo-realistic
      • Con: Takes up lots of space even for simple geometric representations
      • Con: Difficult to split into component pieces for further editing
    • Vector is real 2D shapes
      • Pro: Geometric representations scalable to any resolution
      • Pro: Easy to edit component pieces
      • Con: Difficult to do photo-realistic images at small file sizes

Cross-Platform & Open Source

  • Platforms include Linux/UNIX, Mac OS X, Win32
  • Open Source means:
    • The source code is available for free to the whole world
    • The development process is open to all to participate in and enjoy

Uses of Inkscape

  • Vector Art
  • Symbology - Logos, Flags, Street Signs
  • Webpage Graphics, Buttons, and Flourishes
  • Visually Attractive Maps, Diagrams, and Technical Drawings

Development Community/Process

  • This is a collaborative open source program involving around 10-20 developers from all over the world.
  • It uses the standard open source development process with some smoothed out concepts to make it even more effective.
  • Patch first, discuss later
  • low barrier for developer commit access to CVS
  • uses sourceforge.net
  • Uses Network of Social Software (the key to distributive writing/dev)
    • Website
    • CVS
    • Wiki
    • Mailing List(s) and E-mail
    • Chat (jabber.org)
  • Bus Factor of the project (It has a high one)
  • more?

Why is this important?

  • In order to define this, one must decide to which community this is important.
  • A production ready software does not exist in the GNU/Linux world.
    • As you all would be concerned, this type of tool doesn't exist!
  • Art Community
    • It is free.
    • It is high quality and production ready!
    • Supports positive ideals!
      • Copyright is what it is, but we would like to see more opened up tools and codebases. Promotes development and honesty.
  • Scientific Community
  • Visualization Community

Common Misconceptions (Low Hanging Fruit)

  • Isn't this just an open source Illustrator?
  • Isn't there X, Y, and Z projects that already do this?
  • Open Source doesn't innovate, it only imitates

Problems to be solved

  • Not enough viewers
    • solution: mozilla is pushing it
    • solution: inkview
    • solution: adobe svg is pushing hard!!!
  • Our program is not fully compliant yet
    • solution: need more developers and more integration

Future

  • extension system
    • quicker development
    • don't have to know as much about the internals
  • networked editing (shared space)
  • layers
  • clipart.freedesktop.org

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