Before the .NET API became available, the typical approach to integrate partner applications was to use the Lisp API as described in the Integration Kit documentation. The Lisp API is perfectly suited for rapid development of add-on functionality and customization, and it can be used on all supported platforms.
The .NET API now allows partners to work with the development language of their choice to interface with Creo Elements/Direct Modeling. It also makes it easy to integrate COM- or .NET-based components into add-on modules.
The .NET API was designed to be compatible with a variety of client types:
Client code can be written in any COM- or .NET-compatible language, which includes both strictly-typed languages such as C++, Delphi or C#, and loosely-typed languages such as VBscript.
Support for external .NET clients is planned for future versions of the API.
This document was written for development partners who already have working knowledge about COM and .NET. See the resources section for references to introductory material.