# FreeCAD programming

*1 hr Workshop @ HSBXL for Software Freedom Day, 18.09.2021*

by Yorik van Havre - [https://yorik.uncreated.net](https://yorik.uncreated.net)

<div><iframe width="800" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O1hYBgk_aLY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

**Abstract**: FreeCAD is a well known 3D modelling platform, but its real power 
lies in how easily it can be programmed and extended with very simple 
Python scripts. Come discover and practice a few things with us!

**Requirements**: Your computer with FreeCAD installed - No programming 
experience needed

**Level:**: basic understanding of FreeCAD


## Contents


### 1. Python starter anyone? A quick intro to Python

* Python FTW: Why Python is awesome
* The interpreter
* Variables: `a = "yorik"; b = 48.2; c = b`
* Functions: `print("something")`
* Classes and modules: `import FreeCAD`
* A peek at a complete Python script

### 2. Python in FreeCAD

* The Python console
* Macros
* Code / Workbenches
* Documentation
* What you can do with it
    * Create/modify document contents
    * Modify the interface
    * Modify the 3D scene
    * Just about anything else

### 3. Recording a macro

* Draw a Draft rectangle with filleted corners
* Extrude it
* Tweak the recorded macro

### 4. Create a shape from Python code

* Create 4 vectors
* Create a closed wire
* Create a face + extrude
* Create a cylinder
* Duplicate it + make a compound
* Create a subtraction

## Useful links

* [FreeCAD documentation](https://wiki.freecadweb.org)
* [Power-users hub](https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Power_users_hub): Python scripting documentation
* [General intro to Python](https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Introduction_to_Python)
* [Shapes creation](https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Topological_data_scripting)
* [Code examples](https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Code_snippets)