Add-in Applications

The common trait of Add-ons is that they are "stateless", i.e. they do not retain any memory from one invocation to the next. This feature, while it allows for rapid development of simple tools, proves limited for complex applications that may need to retain state information from one invocation to the next. Add-in applications can go beyond this feature and have additional benefit to both the developer and the end-users.

Add-ins provide the following benefits to Application Developers using API:

• Application DLLs can be installed in their own folders and can be registered with an IronCAD application with a simple registration file.

• Once installed, the users can load them into the running application via an Add-In Manager. Once the application is loaded, it will continue to get auto-loaded in subsequent sessions.

• Application DLLs can register their own Toolbars with the IronCAD application. These toolbars can have custom images and have optional update handlers in addition to getting notified when the user clicks the buttons on these toolbars to execute their custom code.

• Application DLLs can receive notifications when significant events occur in the running application - e.g., when an object is dragged from a catalog and dropped on to the scene or when a new document is created or an existing document is opened or saved.

The above characteristics allow partners to create sophisticated applications that work seamlessly to provide value to the end-user.

To initialize an Add-in:

• Register the add-in (dll) using regsvr32.exe located in the operating systems "System32" folder. Note: Make sure IRONCAD is not running when registering the add-in.

• Start IRONCAD .

• Under the Tools menu, select Add-in Applications.

• Place a check next to the desired add-in by selecting on the checkbox.

• Select ok.

Developers can find additional detailed information about the API by contacting IronCAD Support.