libopenmetaverse is a software library

Library (computer science)

In computer science, a library is a collection of resources used to develop software. These may include pre-written code and subroutines, classes, values or type specifications....

 that can be used in a third party application to communicate with the servers

Server (computing)

In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients"...

 that control the virtual world of Second Life

Second Life

Second Life is an online virtual world developed by Linden Lab. It was launched on June 23, 2003. A number of free client programs, or Viewers, enable Second Life users, called Residents, to interact with each other through avatars...

. It can be used both to query the state of the world and to send uploads and commands that will modify that state. For example, it can download the shape and appearance of a building or avatar

Avatar (computing)

In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities. It can also refer to a text...

, and it can upload new virtual objects that will appear in the world.

Currently, the library is in the beta stage of development.

SL Protocol Wiki

In May 2006 it was revealed that the Second Life protocol had been reverse-engineered.
A wiki was set up to further the effort.

The Second Life Protocol Wiki had two tools anonymously donated to them: snowcrash and slice, which quickly furthered the effort. Snowcrash is a tool for decrypting the file comm.dat, which contains a description of the communication protocol. Slice is a tool for dumping the content of Second Life's cache files.

CopyBot

In November 2006, libopenmetaverse (renamed from "libsecondlife" due to trademark/licensing issues ) gained exposure in the popular media due to its use in CopyBot

CopyBot

CopyBot is a debugging tool used to access the virtual world, Second Life. It is able to, among other things, export objects within Second Life to an XML file, which can then later be imported for use in the game...

, a program which ignited public debate over unauthorized copying of virtual property in Second Life.

External links

• Official homepage
• Official wiki