BOINC: Is there an easy example how to code a programm for it and how to implement it into their client/server system?

Question

Hi,

I did a numeric method as my diploma thesis and coded it in java. It needs a loot of computational time when done adequate. So I looked for an alternative and found BOINC. Unfortunally I didn't have time for doing my method in BOINC, because I'm an aerospace student and not a programmer and I decided to keep my priority on my java programme. So now it's finished an I still would like to port this to BOINC.

Unfortunally I'm learning in re-doing examples and I couldn't find any, neither on the official site http://boinc.berkeley.edu nor in the internet. So do you know a good and easy example or do you have any experience in BOINC and would like to start a new plattform for such a boinc project?

I'm reallistic about my method, that it wouldn't run 24/7, because there aren't as many work units as for seti or folding projects. So I would like to have a plattform for more than just my project so that another plattform project can be worked on when one part project doesn!t have any work units at that moment.

but to start this I would keep it simple and just want to know how to code for it and use it in the client and server system. it doesn't matter what the example projects will work on, as long as it is simple enough, that I can understand it and extending it for my method.

Thank you in advance, Andreas! :)

PS: I know that BOINC supports JAVA as a programming language, and my method is coded in JAVA.

Answer 1

As far as I know, JavaApps is just an idea; I don't know if anyone actually tried it in a real BOINC project. And it's Windows-only. And it seems to be a bit of a pain to redistribute the entire JRE as part of the BOINC application (both technically and legally).

Also, I generally dislike using that kind of “wrapper” where the science app (using the BOINC API) starts another process that then does the real computation. It's usually unreliable. There are lots of things that could go wrong with the wrapper, especially related to controlling the child process (eg. if something kills the wrapper, the child process has to quit too).

However, I just found something pretty interesting that may let me do a better Java wrapper for BOINC... Stay tuned! (but don't hold your breath either; it's the holidays!)

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Meanwhile, I suggest you start by reading BOINC wiki and setting up a server with a “hello world” application; and if you have any trouble, ask a specific question about your trouble either here or in the boinc_projects mailing list.

(Of course, payin’ me to install the server for you is also an option ;) but I can't guarantee anything; not even my mere availability at this time of the year)

Answer 2

Setting up a project from scratch

First, a warning: do not use make_project --test_app; Ignore the wiki page called QuickStart. It gets you a fully working project processing useless tasks, and leaves you ignorant of what the hell to do next (and how to stop the project's useless work, how to add your own, etc). Skipping the learning experience is not a good thing.

[answer being edited; I'm cringing at the bad state of the tutorial docs right now]

[er, I'll edit it tomorrow; can't think straight so late]