Getting Started
Application Development Methods
There are two methods for developing an application for the FrontPanel Platform:
- Use a text editor and begin writing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Use an open-source JavaScript user interface library or framework.
The tutorials and how-to guides presented use the React JavaScript user interface library combined with TypeScript and Webpack. They are recommended because they simplify application development, but their use is not mandatory.
React
Recommended for its versatility, robustness, and popularity among application developers. It also provides a complete set of documentation and tutorials that carry useful information for new developers.
Typescript
Recommended because it applies type checking to JavaScript which improves the ability to catch coding errors early in the development process.
Webpack
Recommended because of its ability to produce optimized bundled applications and its broad support among the web development community.
Application Development Libraries
Two libraries are available to assist in the development of FrontPanel applications. These libraries are optional but offer a basic set of elements useful for most applications. They can be installed using the Node Package Manager(NPM).
Platform API Library
Provides TypeScript definitions for methods of the FrontPanel Platform API and some utilities that are useful in some common use case scenarios.
React Component Library
Provides two sets of styled React components that can be used for defining the graphical user interface of an application.
Primitive Components
General set of components intended for use cases where user interaction needs to be handled in a customized way.
FrontPanel Components
Specialized set of components that provide properties for connecting them to FrontPanel Wires and Triggers.