1. Home
  2. PRO/Engineer (Creo) discussions
  3. Suggestions for a new CAD software

Suggestions for a new CAD software

Hello Everybody, I am interested in developing a CAD software using C, C++ and Java. (C++ as the base, with high performance intensive code in C, and a lot of other code like GUI in Java). I want to take suggestions from experienced people. I want to release that as an Open Source software. And the software will be submitted as my project work. Currently, I want to develop a software which can achieve the following:

1) Client/Server based, with server capable of Grid computing (ready for second or third version) 2) Module based, with majority of the services provided by the software itself. All the modules will just interact with the main software (which is actually a client) with the help of messages and events. 3) The software will not stick on to a single branch of engineering, instead it will be developed so that modules can be developed for any branch of engineering. 4) XML will be used for everything. Like data storage, software configuration, and anything else that comes up. 5) Database will be provided at the server end so that team work is possible. 6) And many more to follow, but everything is not intended for the first release.

I have following doubts, I will appreciate if anybody can help me with their valuable suggestions.

1) I am thinking of using Boundary Representation for representing the models. As the software is intended for every sort of module, will this representation suit for analysis software's as well? 2) What is the best way of representing the models? 3) If I use database to store models, Will I have to store them in the same way as I store the files? 4) I want to take IGES into consideration while designing my own file storage format. Although, I would like my software to support IGES, I want to use XML instead, because it offers many advantages in both storing and using. Is there any other file format that I can consider? 5) Will module based design work out the problem of a platform for every sort of engineering design?

I will be glad if anybody can give me a link OR suggest me some techniques, OR give ideas. (Sorry for such a long message)

Thanks in advance. Hariprasad Govardhanam

Reply to
Hariprasad Govardhanam
Loading thread data ...

Ambitious undertaking...

I don't have anything of value to offer, with the possible exeption of:

You might search the group archives. Seems there has been a related (open source CAD?) post or two in the last few months. A web search would probably turn up other related interests and groups.

You might post as "OT:" (off topic) to...

formatting link
it might catch the interest of a few people there. Lot of bright people (students and programmers) over there; not to infer that everyone over here is as dull as I am. 8~)

Reply to
Jeff Howard

Here are some important considerations when writing your CAD software:

1) Have a good mix of icons and scrolling menus. 2) Make the geometry flashes in different colours when moving the mouse. 3) Use the shift/Alt/Ctrl keys for selection purposes, in fact make the user hold down as many keys as possible during feature selection and geometry orientation. 4) Don't make it too obvious where you should expect to find important feature creations tools - spread them around the drop down menus's. 5) And finally, don't under any circumstances, include an undo button.

Hope you find these tips useful The Wildfire Software Development Team.

Hariprasad Govardhanam wrote:

software.

computing

support

platform

Reply to
Rick

Also, it is essential to hold down the Esc key and the Break key simultaneously, whilst moving the mouse to reorient the model on the screen.

Reply to
dakeb

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.