Incorporating external algorithms
To use LiSA as an environment for your own algorithms, including such
highlights as automated parameter test and context sensitive menus,
please follow these steps.
Implement communication
LiSA external algorithms are given two parameters, the name of an
input and an output file. All further parameters passed to the program
are in the input file. For reading and writing
.lsa-files you may use the corresponding objects from the
library. Please refere to the developer's manual. Further communication can
be done via printing lines to the standard output:
- A line stating the PID of the external algorithm in the form
"PID=2345" enables LiSA to send signals to abort it.
- A line beginning with "ERROR: " is displayed in the LiSA error
window.
- A line beginning with "OBJECTIVE= " moves the progress indicator
in the external algorithm window.
Write an .alg-file
You have to give some very basic information about your algorithm in
form of an algorithm description file. If you are using
LiSA in more than one language, you have to translate this file into
each language you require.
Copy files
Copy your .alg-file into the $LISAHOME/data/alg_desc/language/english
directory and your executable file into $LISAHOME/bin (unless statet
otherwise in the .alg-file). With the next call of LiSA a menue
compiler will be invoked which modifies the LiSA menues to include
your algorithm.
Sample
A simple sample implementation can be found in
/LiSA/src/algorithm/sample/.
Table of Contents
9.02.2000 TAU