![]() Since add-ins run “in-process”, SolidWorks must be open for an add-in to run, unlike stand-alones.Not a good choice for new API programmers. The most complicated of the three types of programs to write.This means the code is kept private and safe from tampering. More secure, since users probably don’t know how to reverse engineer the DLLs.Written using VB.NET, C#, or C++, which are much more powerful, feature-rich languages compared to VBA (although more difficult to learn if you’re a beginner).The best choice for programs that always need to be running as long as SolidWorks is running (as long as the Startup checkbox is checked under Tools–>Add-ins).Can be turned on and off using Tools–>Add-ins. Preferable over VBA macros if you want a more integrated, SolidWorks-native look and feel to your program.Add-ins can be written in VB.NET, C#, or C++, which means that they’ll be written and edited using Visual Studio project files and then run from a compiled DLL. Unlike macros, however, they must be registered and loaded before they can work properly. ![]() Add-insĪn add-in, also known as add-on or plug-in, is also a program that runs inside of another program. No programming or API experience required. If you want to start writing VBA macros, you can learn to run, edit, and create a simple VBA macro in the next couple of hours by watching our free online tutorials. If you’d like to see some VBA macro examples, we have hundreds available in our Macro Library. NET macros are a great option since you don’t have to jump through all of the hoops of setting up an add-in or stand-alone. NET languages and need a sandbox in which you can play around or hone your skills. On the other hand, if you simply want a macro for your own personal use, you should be fine. This means a program that you might be deploying across the company or might expect someone else to maintain long after you are gone. Note that I said “as a serious part of your company’s workflow”. NET language, create an add-in or stand-alone. If you really want to automate using the. NET macros as a serious part of your company’s workflow. In my experience, however, these DLLs are unstable and for that reason I do not recommend using. When running from outside VSTA, use a compiled DLL. csproj file found in the solution folder. NET macros are written using VB.NET or C# in the built-in Visual Studio Tools for Applications (VSTA) editor. Not a good choice if you always need your program running as long as SolidWorks is running (choose add-in instead), though it is possible.Missing reference issues can occur when sharing VBA macros.Due to idiosyncracies with 64 bit systems, VBA macros that use user forms or reference Windows DLLs can cause a lot of compatibility headaches that require extra code to resolve.NET languages), making VBA macros more cumbersome for very complex programs. VBA lacks object-oriented programming capabilities (unlike.More code samples exist in VBA than all other languages combined, which is another huge benefit to novice SolidWorks API programmers.VBA macros are contained in a single file, making them easier to store and share.VBA code can be modified even while the programming is running, making debugging much faster.NET languages), therefore VBA macros tend to be easier and faster to write (with some exceptions – see Disadvantages). VBA macros are written using the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language in the built-in Visual Basic editor. NET macros can be recorded, run, and edited using the commands in Tools–>Macro. In the case of SolidWorks, macros come in two flavors: VBA macros and. MacrosĪ macro is a program that runs only inside of another program. For those with limited time, skip to the Summary and Recommendations section at the end and you’ll probably find all of the information you need. In this article, I want to evaluate macros, add-ins, and stand-alones from a variety of perspectives so that you can make the best choice for your automation project. How integrated with SolidWorks do I want this program to be?.How do I want this program to be deployed? Maintained? Modified (if necessary)? Secured?. ![]()
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