Welcome to CP Development

VRML is a continually-changing technology. Presumably since you're here, you think VRML is a cool and powerful new media. But in order to exploit that media, you need the best tools and the most powerful environment.

Sony's VRML 2.0 browser, Community Place (CP) provides that environment. VRML 2.0 compliance, complete Java support, and multi-user aspects make this the most powerful VRML browser available. However, to exploit this power you need to learn how to develop for CP, and that's what these tutorials are designed to deliver.

Who should learn about CP Development?

Anyone who is interested in 3D graphics, Internet development, and multi-user worlds should be interested in this technology. These tutorials are written for the VRML 2.0 content creator -- allowing you, the designer, to take advantage of CP. In short, these tutorials teach you how to create 3D multi-user powerful worlds on the web.

Skills you need to use these tutorials

You should be familiar with VRML 2.0 -- these are not "basic" VRML 2.0 tutorials, although some common VRML 2.0 aspects are covered. You should also be familiar with the Javatm programming language. With these two skills you will be able to learn all of the information taught within. If you lack experience in these two fields, there are a number of excellent resources available on the web and in bookstores.

However, the most important skill you need is the ability to think creatively. If you can come up with an idea in your mind for a new world you'd like to create and you're willing to acquire the skills to carry it out, nothing is impossible!

Hardware/software you need

You will need a Windows 95 system to run CP. (Sorry, no Mac version yet. However, one is in the works.) You also will need the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Sun Microsystems. For a more detailed listing of the installation process, please see the Preface.

Getting Help

To help you get the most out of CP, you can contact the VRML Staff at the Sony Architectural Laboratories and Sony Pictures Imageworks at this email address: vrmlmail@spiw.com. They will be happy to assist you in whatever help you may need. We also monitor the VRML Wired mail list, but please send CP-specific questions to the alias above.

Active Examples

The active examples in the Examples section of each Tutorial are not yet available. When the Plug-In version of CP is released, you'll be able to see live examples within each tutorial. However, all VRML and Java code to produce the example worlds using your favorite text editor have been provided. Simply cut and paste the code, compile the Java and test them out in the Community Place browser.

Best of luck!!!