What will be the minimum laptop spec to create 3rd party apps for Infinite Flight?
Which programming language/ what skills are needed? Keeping in mind that soon Infinite Flight will start rebuilding its system with Project Metal, would there be a change in skill sets required?
I understand so far that making an API connected 3rd party app will require special access, permissions and regulations, perhaps also joint agreements, where could I find documentations for these?
Any quotas or limits in producing 3rd party apps for Infinite Flight?
I’m asking because me and my son have some cool crazy ideas and he’s really into programming and I’m into aviation. While he told me he’s done some Phyton the closest I’ve ever got to phyton was yanking its tail to get it away from an oncoming motorcycle last night during a small flood.
Any help to enlighten us would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your time, cheers!
That would depend on the application you use to develop the app. Something like Xcode will use more RAM than something like jGRASP.
I believe that Python or C/C++ would be your best bet. Don’t quote me on that, though. @KaiM or @XuanyanYe may be able to help you in this regard. There’s quite a few others that can help, too. I’m sure they’ll stop by!
If the API frame remains the same (which I’d expect it to), no, I don’t believe so.
You can request to utilize Infinite Flight’s API here. I assume all documentation, regulations, etc., can be found if you are accepted. Again, don’t quote me on that.
As long as you’re not in breach of Infinite Flight’s ToS, Apple Store/Google Play Store ToS, etc., I would think not.
Hey! Perhaps I can help answer your questions in a bit more technical detail.
@Z-Tube’s answer is right on here, I use my Surface Pro 4 running Visual Studio Code and it works fine. I do recommend VSCode as it’s cross-platform and optimized for performance.
Up to you, but if you’re not familiar with programming and networking, I suggest you look into the basic concepts of both of those before you start trying to code an app. Key things you’ll need to know are:
TCP
UDP
HTTP
JSON
You’ll find acronyms are plentiful in the programming world. To answer the second part of your question, no. The way APIs work is that if there is a “breaking change” (a change that affects an app’s ability to run in it’s current state) notice is given on the change and the previous version is still available for a fair while after the change is made. Short answer - no.
Depends. Infinite Flight offers 3 APIs. The Infinite Flight Connect API and OpenTrack API are for controlling an individual user’s device, something like IF-Assistant or Infinite Passengers. That requires nothing but a device running Infinite Flight.
There is also the Infinite Flight Live API, this is what’s called a RESTful API, meaning it runs over the web (HTTP). So that we don’t have anyone and everyone with access to this API (as it’s public on the web), there is a system whereby you need an API Key, which is exactly what it sounds like - a digital “key” (string of letters and numbers) that will give you access to the API. To get an API Key, contact @CaptJJ
The Live API is rate limited to a maximum of 100 requests per minute. Other than that, go for your life.
In terms of a starting point, there’s some really great documentation available here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via Direct Message here on the forum. Best of luck!