LibSTK::Overview

What Is LibSTK?

LibSTK is graphical widget set designed to meet the needs of today's emerging class of embedded media platforms, such as set-top boxes, and vehicular media systems. LibSTK abstracts the graphic and event systems, allowing it to be used on any platform with a C++-compliant compiler.

Why Use LibSTK?

LibSTK is designed to meet the user interface needs of embedded media devices, particularly those of the increasing number of set-top boxes. As it has been designed specifically for these devices, LibSTK handles their unique input and display requirements efficiently.

With the many target architectures of such devices in mind, LibSTK has been designed from the start as a light-weight, cross platform toolkit. Written entirely in C++, LibSTK has a small memory footprint and runs natively on popular embedded processors, without the need for a virtual machine and the accompanying demands on hardware.

Taking advantage of advanced C++ design methodologies, such as smart pointers, signals and slots, and a pure object-oriented design, LibSTK simplifies application development with an intelligent and powerful API. Smart pointers perform automatic garbage collection, allowing developers to focus their attention on the application itself. Signals provide a powerful mechanism for widget collaboration and event handling. LibSTK reduces the learning curve associated with using external libraries with its flexible and reusable object-oriented design.

What Is LibSTK's Current Status?

LibSTK has been in development for almost two years and new code is added on a daily basis. Nevertheless, it is not yet ready for heavy commercial use as we are still hammering out its API. We are working hard to get to that point and feel we are making excellent progress.

Who Can Use It?

LibSTK is licensed to allow anyone and everyone to use it, placing no requirements on the source code used in conjunction with it. The LibSTK team's goal is to promote LibSTK as the de-facto standard toolkit for embedded media devices, free of charge, license constraints, or other legalities.