Run the Duckiematrix

In this section, we will see how we can run the Duckiematrix.

The Duckiematrix is, by design, a distributed platform. This means that multiple components are needed for the system to work as a whole. Luckily, dts can do all this for us.

Run in a Sandbox

The easiest way to enter a session of the Duckiematrix is to run it in Standalone and Sandbox modes. The Standalone mode makes sure all the necessary modules are launched in the right order. The Sandbox mode loads one of the example maps that come with the platform.

Let’s run,

dts matrix run --standalone --sandbox

The command above should start a local engine and a local renderer.

Run using a Remote Engine

The engine does not have to run on your local computer. In fact, it is quite boring to run local engines, because you will be running around your beautifully simulated towns all by yourself. Remote engines allow you to join virtual Duckietowns with your friends and colleagues. We shall talk about all the nice things you can do on remote engines later in the book.

If somebody asks you to join them on their remote virtual Duckietown, ask them for the hostname or IP address of their engine and run the following,

dts matrix run --engine IP_OR_HOSTNAME

The command above should only start a local renderer which will connect to the remote engine at the hostname/IP provided.