ENVI 5: Information on ENVI 5's new API and porting user-developed code

ENVI 5 introduces a new single application window user interface that provides access to analysis tools in a convenient searchable toolbox.  The ENVI user interface with menu bar and 3-window display group paradigm is now known as "ENVI Classic". The new ENVI application introduced with 5 also has a new IDL-based API that allows users to write scripts that extend or automate the software. Additionally, the toolbox available in the new ENVI application has a built-in "Extensions" mechanism, and as of IDL version 8.2 the IDL workbench has a "New ENVI Extension" wizard.

Keep in mind that any batch programs (i.e. headless) or user functions (i.e. extensions) that were developed for ENVI version 4.8 and earlier may execute properly with the new ENVI application, but this compatibility cannot be guaranteed. It is up to the author of any given Code Library submission to test their script with ENVI 5 and implement any necessary modifications to adapt their code to the new application. Furthermore, since there are now 2 software user interfaces ("ENVI" and "ENVI Classic"), any given script may be supported in one or the other (or possibly both).

For example, any new extensions developed using the IDL-based API introduced in ENVI 5 will only work with the new ENVI application toolbox model. This means an extension script developed specifically for the new ENVI application user interface will not work in ENVI Classic (nor will it execute in ENVI version 4.8 or earlier versions. However, since the ENVI Classic application is still available any existing user functions designed for the original user interface can still be used within this software environment.

For additional information please consult the Programming section of the ENVI 5 Help system.

Review on 12/31/2013 MM