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3D Slicer is a free open source extensible software application for medical image computing and visualization. Mainly written in C++ and based on the NA-MIC kit, 3D Slicer relies on a variety of libraries: VTK, ITK, CTK, CMake, Qt and Python.

To ensure the stability of the application, relying on a robust software process, the source code is compiled and tested on a daily basis on a variety of platform configurations. The testing results are summarized and reported using a web-based centralized CDash dashboard. Developers of 3D Slicer can also report issues on the open mailing list or using web-based bug tracking system.

3D Slicer consists of both a lean application core and modules offering specific functionality. The core implements the user interface, provides support for data input/output (IO) and visualization and also exposes developer interfaces that support extension of the application with new modules.

Three types of modules are supported: CLI, Loadable module and Scripted module. While the developer has to choose between one of the 3 types to implement its module, the end user won't notice the difference as they all share the same look & feel. The choice for a given type of module is usually based on the type of inputs/parameters for a given module.

These modules can be either built-in or installed on demand via the extensions manager.

Add or improve a functionality: Where to start ?

Developer references


Getting involved Developer meetings It is open to everyone, feel free to join. Developers mailing list / Browse archives Intended for discussion of programming related questions Resources CDash Quality Dashboard / Setup a dashboard Nightly, continuous and experimental dashboards. Bug tracker / Register / Report a bug Web-based bug tracking system Doxygen Source code API documentation. Slicer Style Guidelines Consistency and Readability for a manageable code base Git repository / ViewVC / last commit `git clone git://github.com/Slicer/Slicer.git` Developer Projects Pages for the developer projects. Change logs and release details Informations about Slicer releases		Step by step - Develop a module or an extension Where to start? Build Slicer application Create CLI module Loadable module Scripted module Editor effect Build, test, package and distribute extensions Build instructions Slicer application Compiling and installing Slicer from source. Slicer extensions Build, test, package and distribute extensions Design & Implementation Modules Comparison between the different supported module types Data Model - MRML Objects and their organization. MRML Library provides API for managing medical image data type Logics Details the role of MRML/Slicer/Application/Modules logics and Displayable managers Python scripting Presents the underlying infrastructure. Charts Description of the Charting architecture. Build system Details how Slicer is built and packaged.		How To Create a CLI module Create a Loadable module Create a Scripted module Create an Editor effect Document a module NEW Contribute a patch UPDATED Setup QtCreator to develop Slicer application or modules Setup a dashboard Use debugger with Slicer application Troubleshoot issues such as crash, or memory leaks Prevent memory leaks Write a widget for Slicer and Qt Designer Use custom widgets in Qt Designer Load UI file from python Pass data between Slicer and Matlab Experimental