WebService and API
Programmable Interface for RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1
"I think the Dlubal webinars and the extensive information on the website are very professional and really great!"
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Johannes Hartmann
4 February 2021
WebService and API is a programmable interface for RFEM 6; RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1. This technology is the basis of a server service that the programs RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1 provide for you. You can use this server service either locally or via the network. Have you already discovered the client-server communication? They allow you to send your requests to and receive feedback from RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1.
You can use the WebService very easily and intuitively. To ensure this, high-level libraries are available for the programming languages Python and C#, which you can use completely free of charge on GitHub under an open-source license. In order to be able to work with it comfortably, you can customize the high-level libraries to fit your own needs. Contributions to our repositories are always welcome.
Have little or no experience with programming in Python? Don't worry, it's not that difficult. The video tutorial Programming with RFEM 6 and Python will help you get started.
Features
WebService and API provide you with the option of communicating with RFEM, RSTAB, and RSECTION using high-level functions. You can use it to create your web or desktop applications and optimize your workflow. There is also an RFEM 6 server that runs on your computer without a GUI, but only responds to your WebService requests.
Benefits
One thing is absolutely undisputed: WebService and API covers universal aspects in the construction industry. However, there is an issue. For the calculation and design, you need different features for each region, country, company, and civil engineer. Everyone has their own requirements. We have solved this problem. Since with WebService and API, you can easily create your very own calculation and design system. Always at your side: The performance and reliability of RFEM, RSTAB, and RSECTION.
The need for adapted and automated structural analysis and design is constantly increasing. WebService technology allows you to create special functionalities quickly and precisely. Our customers can develop such solutions independently or in cooperation with us. See for yourself and give it a try!
Application Areas
WebService and API provide you various scope of application. We have summarized some ideas as to how WebService and API can support your company:
- Creating additional applications for RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1
- Possibility to make the workflows more efficient (for example, model definition and input) and to integrate RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1 into your company applications
- Simulating and calculating several design options
- Running optimization algorithms for size, shape, and/or topology
- Accessing the calculation results
- Generation of printout reports in the PDF format
The level of quality of the work is automatically increased not only by the algorithmic model definitions, but also by:
- Extending / consolidating RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1 with your own controls
- Increased interoperability between the individual software used to complete a project
What is WebService and API?
Communication is the key to success. This also applies to a client-server relation. WebService and API provides you with an XML based information exchange system for direct client-server communication. In diesen Systemen können Programme, Objekte, Nachrichten oder Dokumente integriert sein. Beispielsweise läuft ein Web-Service-Protokoll vom Typ HTTP für die Client-Server-Kommunikation, wenn Sie gerade über eine Suchmaschine etwas recherchieren.
Nun zurück zur Dlubal-Software. In unserem Fall ist der Client Ihre Programmierumgebung (.NET, Python, JavaScript) und der Service-Provider ist RFEM 6. Durch die Client-Server-Kommunikation ist es möglich, Anfragen zu senden und Antworten von RFEM, RSTAB bzw. RSECTION zu erhalten.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Webservices und API?
- Bei Webservices handelt es sich um eine Sammlung von Open-Source-Protokollen und Standards, die zum Datenaustausch zwischen Systemen und Anwendungen genutzt werden. API dagegen ist eine Software-Schnittstelle, durch welche zwei Anwendungen miteinander agieren können, ohne dass ein Anwender involviert ist.
- Demnach sind alle Webservices APIs, aber nicht alle APIs auch Webservices.
Was für Vorteile haben Sie durch die Webservices-Technologie? Ihnen wird eine schnellere Kommunikation innerhalb und zwischen Organisationen ermöglicht.Ein Dienst kann von anderen Diensten unabhängig sein.Mit Webservices können Sie Ihre Anwendung dafür nutzen, Ihre Nachricht oder Funktion der übrigen Welt zugänglich zu machen.Webservices unterstützen Sie beim Datenaustausch zwischen verschiedenen Anwendungen und Plattformen.Mehrere Anwendungen können miteinander kommunizieren, Daten austauschen und Dienste untereinander teilen.Mit SOAP haben wir sichergestellt, dass Programme, die auf verschiedenen Plattformen und auf der Basis verschiedener Programmiersprachen erstellt wurden, Daten untereinander sicher austauschen können.
Languages Supported
In theory, a web service can be created with any programming language. However, we, the Dlubal team, have decided on another way. We have created high-level function libraries for our users. With these high-level function libraries, you can create powerful scripts by simple programming. These libraries include:
- RFEM-Python High-Level Functions
- RSTAB-Python High-Level Functions
- RSECTION-Python High-Level Functions
- C# High-Level Functions
Why did we choose these programming languages? We decided on these programming languages for a specific reason, of course. Python, in particular, has the following features that we consider especially suitable:
- Simple and easy to learn
- Still very powerful
- Many extensions and libraries available
- Many resources available on the Internet
Contact
Do you have any questions about our products or which are best suited for your design projects? Contact us via phone, email, chat or forum or search the FAQ page, available 24/7.
Price
New
Tutorial for WebService & API in C#
This article describes the application of the WebService in C# using an example.
- How can I enable model add-ons when using WebService? How can I create a new model with add-ons enabled?
- I have a 3D model and try to split it up into "walls" and "surfaces" with the Building Model and to calculate them separately. However, my structural system becomes unstable then. What can be the reason?
- Is the Tekla AddIn installed automatically in RFEM 6?
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