Introduction to jSMILE.NET

What is SMILE.NET

SMILE.NET is a library of .NET classes for reasoning in graphical probabilistic models, such as Bayesian networks and influence diagrams. It can be embedded in programs that use graphical probabilistic models as their reasoning engines.

SMILE.NET is not limited to stand-alone applications. It can also be used on the back-end side of a multi-tier application. In this documentation, we concentrate on the use of SMILE.NET library in a stand-alone application.

Model building and inference are under full control of the application program, as the SMILE.NET library serves merely as a set of tools and structures that facilitate them. Decision Systems Laboratory has also developed a graphical interface to SMILE, called GeNIe (Graphical Network Interface), which runs under all 32-bit Windows versions. The latest version of GeNIe can be downloaded from the DSL Web site.

If You Have Used SMILE Before

SMILE.NET is a wrapper library that enables the access to the SMILE C++ libraries from .NET applications. SMILE.NET is not functionally identical to SMILE in that it does not provide access to all the properties and methods present in the original C++ libraries. However, the essential part of the SMILE interface has been exposed. SMILE.NET is easier and more intuitive to use than the two original C++ libraries. It is possible to tailor the library according to any special needs, as its source code is provided (consult the Extending SMILE.NET Library section).

The Packages

There are two packages relevant to SMILE.NET:

1. SMILE.NET X Y: compiled SMILE.NET library version X.Y.

2. SMILE Wrappers Documentation:

• smilenet_tutorials\cs\ - a sample C# application (with Microsoft Visual Studio 2003 [version 7.1] project)

• smilenet_tutorials\vb.net\ - a sample VisualBasic.NET application (with Microsoft Visual Studio 2003 [version 7.1] project)

3. SMILE Wrappers Sources:

• smilenet\ - source of the SMILE.NET wrapper (with Microsoft Visual Studio 2003 [version 7.1] project)

All packages can be obtained from the SMILE Web site download page.

Before Starting the Implementation

It is assumed that the library (lib\smilenet.dll) is placed in an application's home folder.