3DCS provides the ability to perform many preset routines to reflect the deviation, assembly, and measurement of model assemblies. On occasion, you may need to perform a function beyond the standard capabilities of the 3DCS software. When this is necessary, the user-DLL method is recommended. The user-DLL method allows for importing user-written code into the 3DCS software. The 3DCS interface is a C-style interface, so using C/C++ is recommended although any language can be incorporated. The following information is for C++ user-DLLs. ("DLL" stands for "Dynamically Linked Library.")

We highly recommend that you first take Dimensional Control Systems DLL code writing course before attempting to create your own user DLL. To prepare for your 3DCS code writing class, we would recommend that you review the following topics in any C programming book: variables and constants, expressions and statements, loops: for and while, functions, pointers, arrays, structures, C-Math library: math.h, multiple file projects, void data pointers and c-DLLs.

If you do not have a C programming book, we recommend the following:

C How to Program

Harvey Deitel, Paul Deitel

3rd Edition

Prentice Hall, 2000, 1253 pp.

ISBN: 0130895725

Introduction to DLLs

Introduction to DLLs