README
------

What is Fnorb?

Fnorb is a CORBA 2.0 ORB written in Python (with just the eensiest-teensiest
bit of C code for marshalling and parsing ;^). Python is a mature,
interpreted, object-oriented programming language with powerful high-level
datatypes that make it ideally suited as a scripting language for CORBA.

Fnorb gives the Python programmer access to the wonderful world of CORBA,
like ILU from Xerox PARC. It supports all CORBA 2.0 datatypes (including
Any's) and provides a full implementation of IIOP.  Unlike ILU, Fnorb is
Python and CORBA/IDL specific which makes it simple, light-weight, and easy
to install and use.

Using Fnorb, you no longer have to use <insert your least favourite language
here - who said C++ ;^)> to write CORBA clients and servers - you can now
use Python.  This makes Fnorb ideal for prototyping complex CORBA architectures,
for use as a scripting tool, and for building test harnesses for all your CORBA
development projects.

The Python language mapping used by Fnorb is based on the document currently
undergoing the final stages of the OMG standardisation process.

Fnorb is being developed by the Distributed Systems Technology Centre Pty Ltd.
http://www.dstc.edu.au/

Installing Fnorb
----------------
The Fnorb user manual is available as part of this distribution and also
online at <http://www.fnorb.com/>. The manual contains a section describing
the installation process.
 
Contact Information
-------------------
Please send any comments/suggestions/bug reports to the mailing list.
You must join the list before you can post, details on how to do this
are available via the web site <http://www.fnorb.com>.

To contact the Fnorb team privately please email <mailto:owner-fnorb@dstc.edu.au>.

