gcaps is a communication server natively supported by gclib to multiplex Galil hardware communication features. It runs in the background on the host computer, as a service or daemon.
Incidentally, the name gcaps is an acronym for the improbable name Galil Controller Asynchronous Proxy Server. Yet another tidbit to impress friends at parties.
gclib will attempt to use gcaps whenever GOpen() is called without the --direct
or -d
switch. Other than this small difference, gclib function calls through gcaps or directly to the hardware behave identically. The first version of gclib supporting gcaps is 299.
Galil recommends gcaps for software development for a number of reasons. The following are a few of the best.
gcaps is bundled in the gclib and GDK installer packages. Install with defaults to get the gcaps service included. gcaps is also available as a standalone installer. Downloads are available on the release notes page.