# Preface : Nilkins Astraeus

## Presentation

Nilkins Astraeus, aka nkAstraeus, is the highest level component available. Its purpose is to leverage functionalities from all other components, offering lower level control, to offer higher level capabilities. For instance, it :

- Uses nkScripts to offer a bridge between the C++ API and any supported scripting language
- Offers materials, such as a physically based one
- Post processing effects, such as DOF, SSAO, FXAA...

Currently, nkAstraeus offers limited functionalities, but like every component, it is evolving along the engine as a whole. The ultimate goal will be for it to be comparable to a gaming engine. In the short and medium term though, it will be axed towards better visualization tools. Some examples of functionalities that are in the pipeline :

- Built-in render loop with all controls required for client logic insertion
- ...

Stay tuned for all the exciting changes to come within the component !