This documentation is for developers working with the Stingray source code distribution. It tells you how to get the source code, and how to rebuild the engine and editing tools from scratch.

You don't need source code to work with Stingray. The installer for the regular Stingray binary distribution contains all the tools that you need in order to create unique, top-of-the-line immersive and interactive experiences for games and visualizations. For more information on what you can do in Stingray, see the main Stingray Help.

You also don't need source code access in order to customize and extend Stingray, because the Stingray editor and runtime engine offer a rich set of plug-in APIs. You can use these interfaces to create plug-ins that set up your own workflows, create and manage new kinds of data in your project, interact with third-party code or libraries, embed Stingray more efficiently into your production pipeline, etc. For details on these plug-in APIs, see the Stingray SDK Help.

With all that said, there are some reasons why you might want to have access to the full source code anyway:

• If you want to change something fundamental about the way Stingray works internally, and you can't accomplish what you need using the plug-in APIs.

• If you want the very latest new developments and bug fixes from Autodesk the second we check them in to our source control.

• If you want the possibility to debug the engine code as your project is running.

• If you want to be able to fix bugs in the software on your own without waiting for the next release of the product. Even though we try to release new binary updates pretty frequently with tons of fixes, you might see source access as a safety net just in case you happen to discover a problem at a crucial point in your project's schedule.

• If you want to contribute your own bug fixes and enhancements back to the Stingray community!

• If you want your Stingray engine plug-ins to work on non-Windows platforms. The kind of plug-ins you can write with the Stingray SDK (currently) only work on Windows.

Follow all the instructions on the Getting started with source access page. They will walk you through the process of getting access to the code and setting up your repository.

Usually, yes.

When you apply for source access for a new project, we will get in touch with you and have a conversation to sort it all out. So if you love Stingray and want to get more deeply involved, don't be shy to request source access.