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RAM OpenLink - Getting Started
Getting Started
Most of the components that makeup the suite of RAM OpenLink components can be used from any programming language. However, it is easiest to use them in conjunction with MSVC++, Visual Basic (VB) or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). VBA can be found in all MS Office products as well as many other programs including AutoCAD and MicroStation.
The required skill level depends on what your goals are. However, with a limited knowledge of VB/VBA or with the help of a book on VB you will be able to get productive in a short amount of time. All of the component specific information that you need are in the individual component toolkits. Some of the components like the RAM DataAccess can be downloaded from the RAM OpenLink users group.
Learning Curve
With a working knowledge of VB/VBA users have been able to start writing their own programs in about 4 hours. The best way to get started is to read the documentation in the toolkits and then take a look at the provided example programs. The best way to acquire a working knowledge of VB/VBA is to look at some example code and possibly pick up one of the suggested books or check out the suggested links for beginner tutorials. Only the simplest programming skills are needed to start using the RAM OpenLink Components. You will need to know how to:
- Define a variable
- Call a function
- Define a function
- Write an If...Then...Else statement
- Define a For...Next loop
Using RAM DataAccess in your Programs
If you have RAM Structural System installed on your computer then you already have RAM DataAccess (DA) installed as well. The toolkit for DA can be downloaded from the RAM OpenLink users group, which you can get an invitation to after filling out the following form.
Note that DA only works with models created with the version of RAM Structural System that is on your computer. So if you have RAM SS v8.2 installed on your computer then only models that have been created or converted to that version number can be used.
There are three basic parts to using the DA:
- Opening a RAM Structural System model using DA
- Call DA functions to reading data from the model and manipulate/use it as required
- Closing the model
Note: The code that you would write will go between opening and closing the model.
Helpful Links
Microsoft Visual Basic Home Page
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Home Page
AutoDesk's AutoCAD VBA Developer – Getting Started
MicroStaiton (Bentley) Developer Network
Visual Studio Magazine
Programming Books
Below are a list of suggested programming language and software development books. Some of these books may have new editions.
1. Beginning Visual Basic 6
Author: Peter Wright Publisher: Wrox
2. Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Programmer's Guide
Author: Microsoft Corp. Publisher: Microsoft Press
3. Visual Basic Applications for Office 2000 Unleashed
Author: Paul McFedries Publisher: Sams
4. Doing Objects in Visual Basic 6
Author: Deborah Kurata Publisher: Sams
5. Expert Guide to Visual Basic 6
Author: Wayne S. Freeze Publisher: Sybex
6. Beginning Visual C++ 6
Author: Ivor Horton Publisher: Wrox
7. Beginning Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
Author: Jesse Liberty Publisher: Wrox
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