BEAST 2 is designed to be extended easily through the BEAST 2 package system. A package houses java code that may implement a probability distribution, a new state component, a new set of MCMC operators, or a combination of all (or none) of these – it’s up to you! In addition, the package also specifies how these abstract concepts relate to the BEAST’s BEAUti graphical interface.
The following pages will walk you through the process of creating your own BEAST 2 package.
- Setting up a package in Intellij quick guide or more elaborate (use this for BEAST v2.6 and earlier)
- Setting up a package in Eclipse (use this for v2.6 and earlier).
- Tutorial for writing a package in Eclipse (or this for v2.6).
- Some hints on how to debug and validate new models can be found here.
Setting up Hudson for continuous integration testing of BEAST and its packages.
We strongly recommend that BEAST 2 package developers follow these rules. Doing so will help ensure your package is reliable and easy to maintain.
It is also useful to keep your eye on What is new in BEAST 2