Initial import

README.markdown

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+_Q: Yet another RepRap slicer?_
+
+A: Yes.
+
+# Slic3r
+
+## What's it?
+
+Slic3r is (er, will be) an STL-to-GCODE translator for RepRap 3D printers, 
+like Enrique's Skeinforge or RevK's E3D.
+
+## Why another one? Why Perl?
+
+The goal is to build something more maintainable and flexible than both
+Skeinforge and E3D. The code makes extensive use of object-oriented 
+programming to achieve some level of abstraction instead of working with
+raw geometry and low-level data structures.
+This should help to maintain code, fix bugs and implement new and better
+algorithms in the future.
+Of course, Perl's not that fast as C and usage of modules like Moose make
+everything quite memory-hungry, but I'm happy with it. My goal is a "rapid
+prototyping" architecture for a slicer.
+
+Also, http://xkcd.com/224/
+
+## What's its current status?
+
+Slic3r can now successfully parse and analyze an STL file by slicing it in
+layers and representing internally the following features:
+
+* holes in surfaces;
+* external top/bottom surfaces.
+
+This kind of abstraction will allow to implement particular logic and allow the
+user to specify custom options.
+
+I need to implement algorithms to produce perimeter outlines and surface fill.
+
+Future goals include support material, options to control bridges, skirt, cool.
+
+## Can I help?
+
+Sure! Send patches and/or drop me a line at aar@cpan.org. You can also 
+find me in #RepRap on FreeNode with the nickname _Sound_.
+
+## What's Slic3r license?
+
+Slic3r is dual-licensed under the _Perl Artistic License_ and the _AGPLv3_.
+The author is Alessandro Ranellucci (that's me).