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Solidworks API Programming

From now on, I am going to talk about famous 3D modeling tool Solidworks from the scratch. Specifically speaking, this talk is about Solidworks API 2006 Programming. At first, I recommend you scrutinize API Help and establish the architecture of API in mind. Let's start.
  1. Go to http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/APIDownloads.html and download Solidworks 2006 Online Help.
  2. Run apihelp.chm
  3. Browse Solidworks API Help in the Contents tab.
- Programmer's Guide: Must read !!
- Getting Started
  • Standalone Application and Add-in Application
    .NET (VB, C#, C++), ATL COM C++
  • Solidworks Macro and VBA script
- Solidworks API Object Model: Must check !!
  • Sldworks (Solidworks itself)
  • ModelDoc2 (Modeling Files)
  • PartDoc / AssemblyDoc / DrawingDoc

- Examples and Projects:
Very helpful example snippets and complete code for VBA and VB. But, insufficient for VB.NET, C# and particularly ATL COM C++. You can look for examples at solidworks.com's api support but not enough for novice.

- APIs:
Object description such as methods, properties and events . Programmers should always refer to these parts.

Before you dive into API programming, you should decide which kind of program you want to make because it would take longer time than you think. Program could be simple time-saving macros through the sophiscated add-in programs. Even if you are willing to make simple VB macro, Implementing the specific function generally - not specifically - requires lots of time. For example, let's say you want to select any rectangular face and add the rectangular extrusion on it using VBA, C#, C++ whatever. In this case, you should consider the normal vector of plane which could be skewed from the absolute coordinate. Chances are you confuse model and sketch coordinate. if never, you are a genius. I really envy you.

Next time, I will explain coordinate issues based on my works in detail. Go for it!
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