CATIA V5 Macro Programming Review

CATIA V5 Macro Programming with Visual Basic Script by Dieter Ziethen is a relatively new book about CATIA macros. The description reads: CATIA V5 Macro Programming with Visual Basic Script shows you, step by step, how to create your own macros that automate repetitive tasks, accelerate design procedures, and automatically generate complex geometries. The book is organized into sections: basics, communication with the environment, components of CATParts and CATProducts, 2D wireframe geometry, Featured Object Classes, and Featured VBScript commands.

If you want to know how to create individual geometry with a macro then this book is for you. The biggest criticism is perfectly summed up by this Aamazon reviewer “The last 378 pages (Featured Object Class) are very similar to the V5Automation.chm file, which is disappointing, considering the price of the book. I would like examples that combine ideas and show how to chain all these functions together.”

I’ve decided the best way for me to review this book is to offer a list of pros and cons, what I liked about it and what I was disappointed by.

Pros of CATIA V5 Macro Programming

• Great introduction for those with no prior programming experience
• Very well written and easy to understand
• Part design, wireframe and surface design, generative shape design, and assembly design are covered
• Superb coverage of all commands in General Shape Design workbench

Cons of CATIA V5 Macro Programming

• Lack of step-by-step tutorials, and exercises
• The book does not included anything at all about the drafting workbench
• There’s also nothing about how to import or export to Excel
• No information or examples on using VBA or forms
• Does not tie ideas together very well
• Last half of book similar to CATIA automation help file

In conclusion, CATIA V5 Macro Programming with Visual Basic Script is a great book for beginners, is a good reference tool, and experienced users might pick up a few tips along the way.

Order Catia V5 Macro Programming from Amazon.com.

How does this book differ from my own, VB Scripting for CATIA V5? Which one should you purchase? Read my comparison analysis and recommendation here.