Programs for Revit API
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 6:00PM There are a few options for starting to work or explore the Revit API. Even though there are actual numerous ways of creating, I would reduce the list to three options.
- VSTA within Revit
- Express Editions of Microsoft Visual
- Full Version of Visual Studio
VSTA within Revit
This is a free editior built within Revit that allows you to code in C# or VB.net. While this is a good and free way of exploring your possibilities within the Revit API, it limits the ability to easily share what you created.
Visual Express C# and VB.net
These are also free and can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/exPress/ The express editions can compile your code into a .dll and debug the code while running in Revit. This is a great option for individuals who are developing for their company.
Visual Studio
Visual Studio is the full version of Microsoft's coding environment. Most novice developers will not see any additional tools that assist in their development although some of the settings are slightly easier to setup. For the cost of the software, I would not recommend buying it to do Revit API work for a singular company. If you are a professional developer of Revit API, you may see some benefits.
#Develop (SharpDevelop) www.icsharpcode.net
This open-source program is also free and supports both VB.NET and C# with full MSBuild 3.5 support. I have not used this program much but if you don't like the Microsoft Visual products it is worth a try.
TIP:
MSBuild 3.5 support (.NET Framework 3.5) is a requirement for Revit 2010 so you will need to verify that the software you are using can support this requirement.
Reader Comments (2)
Hi Jason,
i'm Luigi and i'm new to Revit world, even if skilled programmer. I'm interested in developing components for Revit. Are there any licensing terms for using Revit API?
Best regards
I know revit very well. I am starting revit from version revit-8. Now I am useing revit -2009. But in the upper version may I facing some problem. The problem is new interface. For this resion tools are not found quickly. Can I swichover the revit-2012 interface "look like the lower version".
I want to learn the REVIT API (VB & C#)also very well. Because I feel that some repetitive work may complete quickly through revit API. Please help me with proper guideline & tutorials also.