Create a new project in Microsoft Visual Studio

This guide explains how to create a new .NET project in Microsoft Visual Studio that uses the Tekla Structures Open API.

Alternatively, you can take this Tekla Open API Basics elearning lesson that shows you how to set up a new Microsoft Visual Studio project.

Install Microsoft Visual Studio

Before you start, you need Microsoft Visual Studio development environment. You can purchase a license or a get a free Microsoft Visual Studio Community.

When installing, select following workload to be installed:

• .NET desktop development 

Launch Microsoft Visual Studio

1. Launch Microsoft Visual Studio.
2. When launching Microsoft Visual Studio for the first time, it asks you to select Developer Settings. Select Visual C#.
3. Now you can create your first Microsoft Visual Studio coding project. You can create an empty Windows Forms application (see option 1 below), or if you know that you will create a Tekla Structures plugin you can utilize a template (see option 2). 

Option 1: Create empty .NET application project in Microsoft Visual Studio

1. Create a new project. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Project.
2. Fill in the details as shown in the screenshots about creating Windows Forms App or WPF App: 
3. Click OK to create an empty Windows application.

Note: If you can’t find Windows Forms App (.Net Framework) application in the New Project list, you have to install the .NET desktop development workload. Restart the Microsoft Visual Studio installer and select Modify.

Option 2: Create a new .NET plug-in project in Microsoft Visual Studio using a template

Before starting Microsoft Visual Studio you need to copy the template files to the correct folder:

• Download and install the Tekla plugins template installer, available at Visual Studio Marketplace and Visual Studio Extension Manager. 

Create the project in Microsoft Visual Studio:

1. Start Microsoft Visual Studio.

2. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Project.

3. Fill in the details as shown in the screenshot: 

4. Click OK to create a new Tekla Structures plugin.