Plug-In Concept (MKI) (Basics)

Malz++Kassner CAD6 includes the open CAD6interface (MKI) - a powerful applicationming interface (API) that allows the integration of plug-ins. These plug-ins can either be import filters, export filters or command extensions in any form. See CAD6interface (API) online documentation for details.

The Open CAD Interface offers an easy way to create powerful extensions to Malz++Kassner CAD6. The interface was designed to make it as easy as possible to create plug-ins that fit perfectly into the application's environment. Usually, the user won't realize any substantial difference between using an internal command provided by the application or using an external command provided by a plug-in or filter.

Import and export filters can be created with only basic knowledge of the external file format (see CAD6interface (API) online documentation for documentation on that file format) and some knowledge about geometrical calculations. You will find that especially creating export filters is very easy - if required, the application does all calculations for you and passes simple lines to the export filter.

There are three sample plug-ins including source code and everything else you need to create a plug-in that come with Malz++Kassner CAD6: IMPORT_.DLL, EXPORT_.DLL, and SAMPLE_.DLL. You can use these samples as a basis for your own plug-in development.

After the plug-ins' installation, you can also select the corresponding menu items in Malz++Kassner CAD6 to see how the plug-ins work: File > Import > Coordinates (*.TXT), File > Export > Coordinates (*.TXT), and Draw > Sample Plug-In > Star. For more information on these plug-ins highlight the relevant menu item and press F1.