GLOWbe Studio Modes

GLOWbe Studio supports multiple operating modes to accommodate different workflows and hardware configurations.

Mode Architecture

The studio operates with two independent mode dimensions:

1. Engine Mode - Where the GLOWengine runs
2. Hub Mode - How/where GLOWhub is connected

Mode Matrix

Hub Mode	Engine Mode	Description
-	⛓️‍💥 Offline	No hub connection. GLOWengine runs embedded in the studio process. Useful for using glowbe-studio on its own and designing effects without any hardware.
💻 Local	🔗 Online	GLOWhub runs as a local process on the same machine. GLOWengine runs within the glowhub. Mainly used for development and testing.
📟 Hub	🔗 Online	GLOWhub runs on the physical hub hardware, connected over network (USB ethernet or WiFi). This is the main production mode.

Mode Hierarchy

GLOWbe Studio
├── Engine Mode: ⛓️‍💥 Offline
│   └── GLOWengine embedded in studio (no hub required)
│
└── Engine Mode: 🔗 Online
    ├── Hub Mode: 💻 Local
    │   └── glowhub-core process spawned on localhost
    │   └── Connection: http://[::1]:50051
    │
    └── Hub Mode: 📟 Hub
        └── Physical hub, connected on the network
        └── Connection: http://192.168.2.1:50051 (USB)
                     or http://192.168.4.1:50051 (WiFi)

Engine Mode

Offline Mode

In offline mode, GLOWbe Studio runs a GLOWengine instance directly within its own process. This allows users to design and preview effects without any hardware connected (hub or props)

The offline engine is initialized at studio startup and always available.

Online Mode

In online mode, the studio connects to a GLOWengine running within GLOWhub. This enables:

• Real-time preview on props
• Integration testing

Hub Mode

Hub mode only applies when Engine Mode is set to Online.

Local Hub Mode

When Local Hub Mode is active:

1. GLOWbe Studio spawns a glowhub-core process on localhost
2. Studio connects via gRPC to http://[::1]:50051
3. Studio manages the process lifecycle

This mode is useful for:

• Development without physical hardware
• Testing gRPC communication
• Debugging hub-side logic

Device Hub Mode

When Device Hub Mode is active, Studio expects a physical hub to be connected and running This is the main production mode for actual performances and shows.