If you are starting a new Smallworld project today, install for writing code, Eclipse for debugging, and Git LFS for sanity. Your future self—and your database administrators—will thank you. Have we missed your favorite tool? Let the Magik community know in the comments below.
Combine Selenium with a Magik REST API wrapper to create CI/CD pipelines for your GIS logic. 4. Git + Git LFS (Version Control) Best for: Team-based development and patch management. magik development tools top
Given the industry's shift toward Visual Studio Code, the open-source community has stepped up. The extension (maintained by independent consultants and utilities) is rapidly closing the gap with the official Eclipse tool. If you are starting a new Smallworld project
The absolute cornerstone of modern Magik development is the provided by GE Digital. This tool transforms the open-source Eclipse IDE into a fully functional Magik development environment. Let the Magik community know in the comments below
In the niche but critical world of geospatial asset management—specifically within the utility, telecommunications, and government sectors— Magik remains the undisputed king. As the native language of GE’s Smallworld Core (formerly Smallworld GIS), Magik allows developers to manipulate complex spatial networks, manage versioned data, and build custom business logic directly inside the database.
The "Grammar" view lets you ignore whitespace changes and focus on actual logic changes—critical when merging modules from different consultants. How to Choose the Right Stack for Your Team There is no single "best" tool; rather, there is a Top Stack that modern Magik developers assemble:
Magik developers often write complex "Magik Tool" dialogs. Manually clicking through cable routes or transformer maps is slow. Selenium scripts can simulate user clicks, extract text from dialog boxes, and assert that your Magik business logic returned the correct value.