Create a FeaturePython object part I/it: Difference between revisions

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{{docnav/it|[[PySide/it|PySide]]|[[Creating a FeaturePython Box, Part II/it|Creare un Box FeaturePython, Parte II]]}}
{{docnav/it|[[PySide/it|PySide]]|[[Creating a FeaturePython Box, Part II/it|Creare un Box FeaturePython, Parte II]]}}


{{TOCright}}
== Introduction ==


==Introduction==
FeaturePython objects (also often referred to as 'Scripted Objects') provide users the ability to extend FreeCAD's with objects that integrate seamlessly into the FreeCAD framework.


FeaturePython objects (also referred to as [[Scripted_objects|Scripted objects]]) provide the ability to extend FreeCAD with objects that integrate seamlessly into the FreeCAD framework.
This encourages:
*'''Rapid prototyping''' of new objects and tools with custom Python classes.
*'''Serialization''' through 'App::Property' objects, ''without embedding any script'' in the FreeCAD document file.
*'''Creative freedom''' to adapt FreeCAD for any task!


This encourages:
This wiki will provide you with a complete understanding of how to use FeaturePython objects and custom Python classes in FreeCAD. We're going to construct a complete, working example of a FeaturePython custom class, identifying all of the major components and gaining an intimate understanding of how everything works as we go.
*Rapid prototyping of new objects and tools with custom Python classes.
*Saving and restoring data (also known as serialization) through {{incode|App::Property}} objects, without embedding any script in the FreeCAD document file.
*Creative freedom to adapt FreeCAD for any task.


On this page we are going to construct a working example of a FeaturePython custom class, identifying all the major components and gaining an understanding of how everything works as we go along.
=== How Does It Work? ===


==How does it work?==
FreeCAD comes with a number of default object types for managing different kinds of geometry. Some of them have 'FeaturePython' alternatives that allow for user customization with a custom python class.


FreeCAD comes with a number of default object types for managing different kinds of geometry. Some of them have "FeaturePython" alternatives that allow for customization with a user defined Python class.
The custom python class simply takes a reference to one of these objects and modifies it in any number of ways. For example, the python class may add properties directly to the object, modifying other properties when it's recomputed, or linking it to other objects. In addition the python class implements certain methods to enable it to respond to document events, making it possible to trap object property changes and document recomputes.


This custom Python class takes a reference to one of these objects and modifies it. For example, the Python class may add properties to the object or link it to other objects. In addition the Python class may implement certain methods to enable the object to respond to document events, making it possible to trap object property changes and document recomputes.
It's important to remember, however, that for as much as one can accomplish with custom classes and FeaturePython objects, when it comes time to save the document, '''only the FeaturePython object itself is serialized'''. The custom class and it's state are not retained between document reloading. Doing so would require embedding script in the FreeCAD document file, which poses a significant security risk, much like the risks posed by [https://www.howtogeek.com/171993/macros-explained-why-microsoft-office-files-can-be-dangerous/ embedding VBA macros in Microsoft Office documents].


Thus, a FeaturePython object ultimately exists entirely apart from it's script. The inconvenience posed by not packing the script with the object in the document file is far less than the risk posed by running a file embedded with an unknown script. However, the script module path is stored in the document file. Therefore, a user need only install the custom python class code as an importable module following the same directory structure to regain the lost functionality.
When working with custom classes and FeaturePython objects it is important to know that the custom class and its state are not saved in the document as this would require embedding a script in a FreeCAD document file, which would pose a significant security risk. Only the FeaturePython object itself is saved (serialized). But since the script module path is stored in the document, a user need only install the custom Python class code as an importable module, following the same folder structure, to regain the lost functionality.


[[#top|top]]


== Setting up your development environment ==
==Setting things up==


To begin, FeaturePython Object classes need to act as importable modules in FreeCAD. That means you need to place them in a path that exists in your Python environment (or add it specifically). For the purposes of this tutorial, we're going to use the FreeCAD user Macro folder, though if you have another idea in mind, feel free to use that instead!
FeaturePython Object classes need to act as importable modules in FreeCAD. That means you need to place them in a path that exists in your Python environment (or add it specifically). For the purposes of this tutorial, we're going to use the FreeCAD user Macro folder. But if you have another idea in mind, feel free to use that instead.


If you don't know where the FreeCAD Macro folder is type 'FreeCAD.getUserMacroDir(True)' in FreeCAD's Python console. The place is configurable but, by default, to go there:
If you don't know where the FreeCAD Macro folder is type {{incode|FreeCAD.getUserMacroDir(True)}} in FreeCAD's [[Python_console|Python console]]:
* On Linux it is usually {{FileName|/home/<username>/.local/share/FreeCAD/Macro/}} ({{VersionPlus|0.20}}) or {{FileName|/home/<username>/.FreeCAD/Macro/}} ({{VersionMinus|0.19}}).
*Windows: Type '%APPDATA%/FreeCAD/Macro' in the filepath bar at the top of Explorer
* On Windows it is {{FileName|%APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Macro\}}, which is usually {{FileName|C:\Users\<username>\Appdata\Roaming\FreeCAD\Macro\}}.
*Linux: Navigate to /home/USERNAME/.FreeCAD/Macro
*Mac: Navigate to /Users/USERNAME/Library/Preferences/FreeCAD/Macro
* On macOS it is usually {{FileName|/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/FreeCAD/Macro/}}.


Now we need to create some files.
Now we need to create some folders and files:
*In the Macro folder create a new folder called '''fpo'''.
*In the {{FileName|Macro}} folder create a new folder called {{FileName|fpo}}.
*In the fpo folder create an empty file: '''__init__.py'''.
*In the {{FileName|fpo}} folder create an empty file: {{FileName|__init__.py}}.
*In the fpo folder, create a new folder called '''box'''.
*In the {{FileName|fpo}} folder, create a new folder called {{FileName|box}}.
*In the box folder create two files: '''__init__.py''' and '''box.py''' (leave both empty for now)
*In the {{FileName|box}} folder create two files: {{FileName|__init__.py}} and {{FileName|box.py}} (leave both empty for now).


Your folder structure should look like this:
Notes:
* The '''fpo''' folder provides a nice spot to play with new FeaturePython objects and the '''box''' folder is the module we will be working in.
* '''__init__.py''' tells Python that in the folder is an importable module, and '''box.py''' will be the class file for our new FeaturePython Object.


Macro/
Your directory structure should look like this:
|--> fpo/

|--> __init__.py
.FreeCAD
|--> Macro
|--> box/
|--> fpo
|--> __init__.py
|--> __init__.py
|--> box
|--> box.py

|--> __init__.py
The {{FileName|fpo}} folder provides a nice place to play with new FeaturePython objects and the {{FileName|box}} folder is the module we will be working in. {{FileName|__init__.py}} tells Python that there is an importable module in the folder, and {{FileName|box.py}} will be the class file for our new FeaturePython Object.
|--> box.py


With our module paths and files created, let's make sure FreeCAD is set up properly:
With our module paths and files created, let's make sure FreeCAD is set up properly:
*Start FreeCAD (if you haven't done so already).
*Enable the [[Report_view|Report view]] ({{MenuCommand|View → Panels → Report view}}).
*Enable the [[Python_console|Python console]] ({{MenuCommand|View → Panels → Python console}}) see [[FreeCAD_Scripting_Basics|FreeCAD Scripting Basics]].


Finally, navigate to the {{FileName|Macro/fpo/box}} folder and open {{FileName|box.py}} in your favorite code editor. We will only edit that file.
*Start FreeCAD (if it isn't already open)
*Enable Python Console and Report Views ('''View -> Panels -> Report view''' and '''Python console''') [[FreeCAD Scripting Basics|(learn more about it here)]]
*In your favorite code editor, navigate to the '''/Macro/fpo/box''' folder and open '''box.py'''


[[#top|top]]
It's time to write some code!


==A FeaturePython object==


Let's get started by writing our class and its constructor:
-----


{{Code|code=
== A Very Basic FeaturePython Object ==
class box():


def __init__(self, obj):
Let's get started by writing our class and it's constructor:
"""
Default constructor
"""


self.Type = 'box'
class box():
def __init__(self, obj):
"""
Constructor
Arguments
---------
- obj: a variable created with FreeCAD.Document.addObject('App::FeaturePython', '{name}').
"""
self.Type = 'box'
obj.Proxy = self


obj.Proxy = self
}}


'''The <code>__init__()</code> method breakdown'''
'''The {{incode|__init__()}} method breakdown:'''

{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5" style="margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 5px"
{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5px" width="100%"
|style="width:30%" | <code>def __init__(self, obj):</code> || Parameters refer to the Python class itself and the FeaturePython object that it is attached to.
|style="width:25%" | {{incode|def __init__(self, obj):}}
|style="width:75%" | Parameters refer to the Python class itself and the FeaturePython object that it is attached to.
|-
|-
| {{incode|self.Type <nowiki>=</nowiki> 'box'}}
|<code> self.Type = 'box'</code> || String definition of the custom python type
| String definition of the custom Python type.
|-
|-
| {{incode|obj.Proxy <nowiki>=</nowiki> self}}
|<code> obj.Proxy = self</code> || Stores a reference to the Python instance in the FeaturePython object
| Stores a reference to the Python instance in the FeaturePython object.
|}
|}


Add the following code at the top of the file:


{{Code|code=
In the '''box.py''' file at the top, add the following code:
import FreeCAD as App


def create(obj_name):
import FreeCAD as App
"""
Object creation method
def create(obj_name):
"""
"""
Object creation method
"""
obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name)
fpo = box(obj)
return fpo


obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name)


box(obj)
'''The <code>create()</code> method breakdown'''

{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5" style="float:right; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 5px"
return obj
|style="width:30%" | <code>import FreeCAD as App</code> || Standard import for most python scripts. The '''App''' alias is not required.
}}

'''The {{incode|create()}} method breakdown:'''

{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5px" width="100%"
|style="width:25%" | {{incode|import FreeCAD as App}}
|style="width:75%" | Standard import for most Python scripts, the App alias is not required.
|-
| {{incode|obj <nowiki>=</nowiki> ... addObject(...)}}
| Creates a new FreeCAD FeaturePython object with the name passed to the method. If there is no name clash, this will be the label and the name of the created object. Otherwise, a unique name and label will be created based on 'obj_name'.
|-
|-
| {{incode|box(obj)}}
|<code>obj = ... addObject(...)</code> || Creates a new FreeCAD FeaturePython object with the name passed to the method. If there is no name clash, this will be the label and the name of the created object, i.e. what is visible in the model tree. Otherwise, a unique name and label will be created based on 'obj_name'.
| Creates our custom class instance.
|-
|-
| {{incode|return obj}}
|<code>fpo = box(obj)</code> || Create our custom class instance and link it to the FeaturePython object.
| Returns the FeaturePython object.
|}
|}


The {{incode|create()}} method is not required, but it provides a nice way to encapsulate the object creation code.


[[#top|top]]
The <code>create()</code> method is not required, but it provides a nice way to encapsulate the object creation code.


===Testing the code===


Now we can test our new object. Save your code and return to FreeCAD. Make sure you have opened a new document, you can do this by pressing {{KEY|Ctrl}}+{{KEY|N}} or selecting {{MenuCommand|File → New}}.
-----


In the Python console type the following:
=== Testing the Code ===


{{Code|code=
Now we can try our new object. Save your code and return to FreeCAD, make sure you've '''opened a new document'''. You can do this by pressing '''CTRL+n''' or selecting '''File -> New'''
from fpo.box import box
}}


Now we need to create our object:
In the Python Console, type the following:


{{Code|code=
>>> from fpo.box import box
mybox = box.create('my_box')
}}


[[Image:Fpo_treeview.png | right]]
<br>Now, we need to create our object:
You should see a new object appear in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]] labelled "my_box".


Note that the icon is gray. FreeCAD is telling us that the object is not able to display anything in the [[3D_view|3D view]]. Click on the object and look at its properties in the [[Property_editor|Property editor]]. There is not much there, just the name of the object.
>>> box.create('my_box')


Also note that there is a small blue check mark next to the FeaturePython object in the Tree view. That is because when an object is created or changed it is "touched" and needs to be recomputed. Pressing the {{Button|[[Image:Std_Refresh.svg|16px]] [[Std_Refresh|Std Refresh]]}} button will accomplish this. We will add some code to automate this later.
[[File:Fpo_treeview.png | right | 192px]]
{{Clear}}
You should see a new object appear in the tree view at the top left labelled '''my_box'''.<br><br>Note that the icon is gray. FreeCAD is simply telling us that the object is not able to display anything in the 3D view... yet. Click on the object and note what appears in the property panel under it.<br>There's not very much - just the name of the object. We'll need to add some properties in a bit.
<br clear="all">
Let's also make referencing our new object a little more convenient:


Let's look at our object's attributes:
>>> mybox = App.ActiveDocument.my_box
{{Code|code=
dir(mybox)
}}


This will return:
And then we should take a look at our object's attributes:


{{Code|code=
>>> dir(mybox)
['Content', 'Document', 'ExpressionEngine', 'InList', 'InListRecursive', 'Label', 'MemSize', 'Module', 'Name', 'OutList', 'OutListRecursive', 'PropertiesList', 'Proxy', 'State', 'TypeId', 'ViewObject', '__class__',
['Content', 'Document', 'ExpressionEngine', 'FullName', 'ID', 'InList',
...
...
'setEditorMode', 'setExpression', 'supportedProperties', 'touch']
'setPropertyStatus', 'supportedProperties', 'touch']
}}


There are a lot of attributes because we're accessing the native FreeCAD FeaturePyton object created in the first line of our {{incode|create()}} method. The {{incode|Proxy}} property we added in our {{incode|__init__()}} method is there too.


Let's inspect it with the {{incode|dir()}} method:
There's a lot of attributes there because we're accessing the native FreeCAD FeaturePyton object that we created in the first line of our <code>create()</code> method.
The <code>Proxy</code> property we added in our <code>__init__()</code> method is there, too.


{{Code|code=
Let's inspect that by calling the <code>dir()</code>on the Proxy object:
dir(mybox.Proxy)
}}


This will return:
>>> dir(mybox.Proxy)
['Object', 'Type', '__class__', '__delattr__', '__dict__', '__dir__',
...
'__str__', '__subclasshook__', '__weakref__']


{{Code|code=
['Type', '__class__', '__delattr__', '__dict__', '__dir__', '__doc__',
...
'__str__', '__subclasshook__', '__weakref__']
}}


We can see our {{incode|Type}} property. Let's check it:
Once we inspect the Proxy property, we can see our <code>Object</code> and <code>Type</code> properties. This means we're accessing the custom Python object defined in '''box.py'''.


{{Code|code=
Call the <code>Type</code> property and look at the result:
>>> mybox.Proxy.Type
mybox.Proxy.Type
}}
'box'


This will return:
Sure enough, it returns the value we assigned, so we know we're accessing the custom class itself through the FeaturePython object.


{{Code|code=
Likewise, we can access the FreeCAD object (not our Python object) by using the<code>Object</code>method:
'box'
>>> mybox.Proxy.Object
}}


This is indeed the assigned value, so we know we're accessing the custom class through the FeaturePython object.
That was fun! But now let's see if we can make our class a little more interesting... and maybe more useful.


Now let's see if we can make our class a little more interesting, and maybe more useful as well.


[[#top|top]]
-----


=== Adding Properties ===
===Adding properties===


Properties are the lifeblood of a FeaturePython class. Fortunately, FreeCAD supports [[FeaturePython_Custom_Properties|a number of property types]] for FeaturePython classes. These properties are attached directly to the FeaturePython object and are fully serialized when the file is saved. To avoid having to serialize data yourself, it is advisable to only use these property types.
Properties are the lifeblood of a FeaturePython class.
<br><br>Fortunately, FreeCAD supports [[FeaturePython_Custom_Properties|a number of property types]] for FeaturePython classes. These properties are attached directly to the FeaturePython object itself and fully serialized when the file is saved. That means, unless you want to serialize the data yourself, you'll need to find some way to wrangle it into a supported property type.
<br><br>Adding properties is done quite simply using the <code>add_property()</code> method. The syntax for the method is:


Adding properties is done using the {{incode|add_property()}} method. The syntax for the method is:

<!--Do not use Code template to avoid syntax highlighting-->
add_property(type, name, section, description)
add_property(type, name, section, description)


You can view the list of supported properties by typing:
{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5" style="float:right; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 5px; text-align:left"
!Tip
|-
||You can view the list of supported properties for an object by typing:<br><code>>>> mybox.supportedProperties()</code>
|}
<br>Let's try adding a property to our box class.
<br><br>Switch to your code editor and move to the <code>__init__()</code> method.


{{Code|code=
<br clear="all">Then, at the end of the method, add:
mybox.supportedProperties()
}}


Let's try adding a property to our box class. Switch to your code editor, move to the {{incode|__init__()}} method, and at the end of the method add:
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""
Note how we're using the reference to the (serializable) FeaturePython object, <code>obj</code> and not the (non-serializable) Python class instanace, <code>self</code>.
<br>Anyway, once you're done, save the changes and switch back to FreeCAD.
<br><br>Before we can observe the changes we made to our code, we need to reload the module. This can be accomplished by restarting FreeCAD, but restarting FreeCAD everytime we make a change to the python class code can get a bit inconvenient. To make it easier, try the following in the Python console:


{{Code|code=
>>> from importlib import reload
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""
>>> reload(box)
}}
This will reload the box module, incorporating changes you made to the '''box.py''' file, just as if you'd restarted FreeCAD.
<br><br>With the module reloaded, now let's see what we get when we create an object:


Note how we're using the reference to the (serializable) FeaturePython object {{incode|obj}}, and not the (non-serializable) Python class instance {{incode|self}}.
>>> box.create('box_property_test')
[[File:fpo_properties.png | right | 320px]]You should see the new box object appear in the tree view at left.<br><br>
*Select it and look at the Property Panel. There, you should see the 'Description' property.<br>
*Hover over the property name at left and see the tooltip appear with the description text you provided.<br>
*Select the field and type whatever you like. You'll notice that Python update commands are executed and displayed in the console as you type letters and the property changes.
<br><br>But before we leave the topic of properties for the moment, let's go back and add some properties that would make a custom box object *really* useful: namely, ''length'', ''width'', and ''height''.
<br><br>Return to your source code and add the following properties to <code>__init__()</code>:


Once you're done, save the changes and switch back to FreeCAD. Before we can observe the changes made to our code, we need to reload the module. This can be accomplished by restarting FreeCAD, but restarting FreeCAD every time we edit the code would be inconvenient. To make things easier type the following in the Python console:
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'


{{Code|code=
[[File:object_recompute_icon.png | left | 64px]]One last thing: Did you notice how the blue checkmark appears next to the FeaturePython object in the treeview at left?
from importlib import reload
That's because when an object is created or changed, it's "touched" and needs to be recomputed. Clicking the "recycle" arrows (the two arrows forming a circle) will accomplish this.
reload(box)
<br><br>But, we can accomplish that automatically by adding the following line to the end of the <code>create()</code> method:
}}


With the module reloaded, let's see what we get when we create an object:
App.ActiveDocument.recompute()
{|class="wikitable" cellpadding="5" style="margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align:left"
!Note
|-
|Be careful where you recompute a FeaturePython object! Generally, you should not try to recompute an object from within itself. Rather, document recomputing should be handled by a method external to the object, if possible.
|}
<br>Now, test your changes as follows:<br>
*Save your changes and return to FreeCAD.<br>
*Delete any existing objects and reload your module.<br>
*Finally, create another box object from the command line by calling <code>>>> box.create('myBox')</code>.
[[File:fpo_box_properties.png | right | 320px]]
<br>Once the box is created (and you've checked to make sure it's been recomputed!), select the object and look at your properties.
<br>You should note two things:<br>
*Three new properties (''length'', ''width'', and ''height'')
*A new property group, ''Dimensions''.
<br>Note also how the properties have dimensions. Specifically, they take on the linear dimension of the units set in the user preferences (see '''Edit''' -> '''Preference...''' -> '''Units tab''').
<br clear="all"><br>In fact, if you were paying attention when you were entering the code, you will have noticed that three separate values were entered for each dimension. The length was a floating-point value (10.0), the width was a string, specifying millimeters ('10 mm') and the height was a string specifying centimeters ('1 cm'). Yet, the property rendered all three values the same way: 10 mm. Specifically, a floating-point value is assumed to be in the current document units, and the string values are parsed according to the units specified, then converted to document units.
<br><br>The nice thing about the <code>App::PropertyLength</code> type is that it's a 'unit' type - values are understood as having specific units. Therefore, whenever you create a property that uses linear dimensions, use <code>App::PropertyLength</code> as the property type.


{{Code|code=
box.create('box_property_test')
}}


You should see the new box object appear in the Tree view:
-----
*Select it and look at the Property editor. There, you should see the ''Description'' property.
*Hover over the property name on the left and the tooltip should appear with the description you provided.
*Select the field and type whatever you like. You'll notice that Python update commands are executed and displayed in the console as you type letters and the property changes.


[[#top|top]]
=== Event Trapping ===


Let's add some more properties. Return to your source code and add the following properties to the {{incode|__init__()}} method:
The last element required for a basic FeaturePython object is event trapping. Specifically, we need to trap the <code>execute()</code> event, which is called when the object is recomputed. There's several other document-level events that can be trapped in our object as well, both in the FeaturePython object itself and in the ViewProvider, which we'll cover in another section.
<br>
Add the following after the <code>__init__()</code> function:


{{Code|code=
def execute(self, obj):
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
"""
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
Called on document recompute
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'
"""
}}
print('Recomputing {0:s} ({1:s})'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))


And let's also add some code to recompute the document automatically. Add the following line above the {{incode|return()}} statement in the {{incode|create()}} method :


{{Code|code=
Test the code as follows:
App.ActiveDocument.recompute()
*Save changes and reload the box module in the FreeCAD python console.
}}
*Delete any objects in the Treeview
*Re-create the box object.


'''Be careful where you recompute a FeaturePython object. Recomputing should be handled by a method external to its class.'''
You should see the printed output in the Python Console, thanks to the <code>recompute()</code> call we added to the <code>create()</code> method.


[[Image:fpo_box_properties.png | right]]
Of course, the <code>execute()</code> method doesn't do anything here (except tell us that it was called), but it is the key to the magic of FeaturePython objects.


Now, test your changes as follows:
<br>'''So that's it!'''
*Save your changes and reload your module.
<br>You now know how to build a basic, functional FeaturePython object!
*Delete all objects in the Tree view.
*Create a new box object from the Python console by calling {{incode|box.create('myBox')}}.


Once the box is created and you've checked to make sure it has been recomputed, select the object and look at its properties. You should note two things:
*A new property group: ''Dimensions''.
*Three new properties: ''Height'', ''Length'' and ''Width''.


Note also how the properties have units. More specifically, they have taken on the linear units set in the user preferences ({{MenuCommand|Edit → Preference... → General → Units}}).
-----
{{Clear}}


No doubt you noticed that three different values were entered for the dimensions: a floating-point value ({{incode|10.0}}) and two different strings ({{incode|'10 mm'}} and {{incode|'1 cm'}}). The {{incode|App::PropertyLength}} type assumes floating-point values are in millimeters, string values are parsed according to the units specified, and in the GUI all values are converted to the units specified in the user preferences ({{incode|mm}} in the image). This built-in behavior makes the {{incode|App::PropertyLength}} type ideal for dimensions.
=== The Completed Code ===

import FreeCAD as App
[[#top|top]]

def create(obj_name):
===Trapping events===

The last element required for a basic FeaturePython object is event trapping. A FeaturePython object can react to events with callback functions. In our case we want the object to react whenever it is recomputed. In other words we want to trap recomputes. To accomplish this we need to add a function with a specific name, {{incode|execute()}}, to the object class. There are several other events that can be trapped, both in the FeaturePython object itself and in the [[Viewprovider|ViewProvider]], which we'll cover in [[Create_a_FeaturePython_object_part_II|Create a FeaturePython object part II]].

For a complete reference of methods available to implement on FeautrePython classes, see [[FeaturePython_methods|FeaturePython methods]].

Add the following after the {{incode|__init__()}} function:

{{Code|code=
def execute(self, obj):
"""
Called on document recompute
"""

print('Recomputing {0:s} ({1:s})'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))
}}

Test the code by again following these steps:
*Save and reload the module.
*Delete all objects.
*Create a new box object.

You should see the printed output in the Python Console, thanks to the {{incode|recompute()}} call we added to the {{incode|create()}} method. Of course, the {{incode|execute()}} method doesn't do anything here, except tell us that it was called, but it is the key to the magic of FeaturePython objects.

That's it, you now know how to build a basic, functional FeaturePython object!

[[#top|top]]

===Complete code===

{{Code|code=
import FreeCAD as App

def create(obj_name):
"""
"""
Object creation method
Object creation method
"""
"""

obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name))
obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name)

fpo = box(obj)
box(obj)

App.ActiveDocument.recompute()
return fpo

return obj
class box():

class box():

def __init__(self, obj):
def __init__(self, obj):
"""
"""
Default Constructor
Default constructor
"""
"""

self.Type = 'box'
self.Type = 'box'

obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'
obj.Proxy = self
obj.Proxy = self

obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'

def execute(self, obj):
def execute(self, obj):
"""
"""
Called on document recompute
Called on document recompute
"""
"""
print('Recomputing {0:s} {1:s}'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))
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print('Recomputing {0:s} ({1:s})'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))
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{{docnav/it|[[PySide/it|PySide]]|[[Creating a FeaturePython Box, Part II/it|Creare un Box FeaturePython, Parte II]]}}


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Latest revision as of 14:11, 17 February 2023

Other languages:

Introduction

FeaturePython objects (also referred to as Scripted objects) provide the ability to extend FreeCAD with objects that integrate seamlessly into the FreeCAD framework.

This encourages:

  • Rapid prototyping of new objects and tools with custom Python classes.
  • Saving and restoring data (also known as serialization) through App::Property objects, without embedding any script in the FreeCAD document file.
  • Creative freedom to adapt FreeCAD for any task.

On this page we are going to construct a working example of a FeaturePython custom class, identifying all the major components and gaining an understanding of how everything works as we go along.

How does it work?

FreeCAD comes with a number of default object types for managing different kinds of geometry. Some of them have "FeaturePython" alternatives that allow for customization with a user defined Python class.

This custom Python class takes a reference to one of these objects and modifies it. For example, the Python class may add properties to the object or link it to other objects. In addition the Python class may implement certain methods to enable the object to respond to document events, making it possible to trap object property changes and document recomputes.

When working with custom classes and FeaturePython objects it is important to know that the custom class and its state are not saved in the document as this would require embedding a script in a FreeCAD document file, which would pose a significant security risk. Only the FeaturePython object itself is saved (serialized). But since the script module path is stored in the document, a user need only install the custom Python class code as an importable module, following the same folder structure, to regain the lost functionality.

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Setting things up

FeaturePython Object classes need to act as importable modules in FreeCAD. That means you need to place them in a path that exists in your Python environment (or add it specifically). For the purposes of this tutorial, we're going to use the FreeCAD user Macro folder. But if you have another idea in mind, feel free to use that instead.

If you don't know where the FreeCAD Macro folder is type FreeCAD.getUserMacroDir(True) in FreeCAD's Python console:

  • On Linux it is usually /home/<username>/.local/share/FreeCAD/Macro/ (version 0.20 and above) or /home/<username>/.FreeCAD/Macro/ (version 0.19 and below).
  • On Windows it is %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Macro\, which is usually C:\Users\<username>\Appdata\Roaming\FreeCAD\Macro\.
  • On macOS it is usually /Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/FreeCAD/Macro/.

Now we need to create some folders and files:

  • In the Macro folder create a new folder called fpo.
  • In the fpo folder create an empty file: __init__.py.
  • In the fpo folder, create a new folder called box.
  • In the box folder create two files: __init__.py and box.py (leave both empty for now).

Your folder structure should look like this:

Macro/
    |--> fpo/
        |--> __init__.py
        |--> box/
            |--> __init__.py
            |--> box.py

The fpo folder provides a nice place to play with new FeaturePython objects and the box folder is the module we will be working in. __init__.py tells Python that there is an importable module in the folder, and box.py will be the class file for our new FeaturePython Object.

With our module paths and files created, let's make sure FreeCAD is set up properly:

Finally, navigate to the Macro/fpo/box folder and open box.py in your favorite code editor. We will only edit that file.

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A FeaturePython object

Let's get started by writing our class and its constructor:

class box():

    def __init__(self, obj):
        """
        Default constructor
        """

        self.Type = 'box'

        obj.Proxy = self

The __init__() method breakdown:

def __init__(self, obj): Parameters refer to the Python class itself and the FeaturePython object that it is attached to.
self.Type = 'box' String definition of the custom Python type.
obj.Proxy = self Stores a reference to the Python instance in the FeaturePython object.

Add the following code at the top of the file:

import FreeCAD as App

def create(obj_name):
    """
    Object creation method
    """

    obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name)

    box(obj)

    return obj

The create() method breakdown:

import FreeCAD as App Standard import for most Python scripts, the App alias is not required.
obj = ... addObject(...) Creates a new FreeCAD FeaturePython object with the name passed to the method. If there is no name clash, this will be the label and the name of the created object. Otherwise, a unique name and label will be created based on 'obj_name'.
box(obj) Creates our custom class instance.
return obj Returns the FeaturePython object.

The create() method is not required, but it provides a nice way to encapsulate the object creation code.

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Testing the code

Now we can test our new object. Save your code and return to FreeCAD. Make sure you have opened a new document, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+N or selecting File → New.

In the Python console type the following:

from fpo.box import box

Now we need to create our object:

mybox = box.create('my_box')

You should see a new object appear in the Tree view labelled "my_box".

Note that the icon is gray. FreeCAD is telling us that the object is not able to display anything in the 3D view. Click on the object and look at its properties in the Property editor. There is not much there, just the name of the object.

Also note that there is a small blue check mark next to the FeaturePython object in the Tree view. That is because when an object is created or changed it is "touched" and needs to be recomputed. Pressing the Std Refresh button will accomplish this. We will add some code to automate this later.

Let's look at our object's attributes:

dir(mybox)

This will return:

['Content', 'Document', 'ExpressionEngine', 'FullName', 'ID', 'InList',
...
'setPropertyStatus', 'supportedProperties', 'touch']

There are a lot of attributes because we're accessing the native FreeCAD FeaturePyton object created in the first line of our create() method. The Proxy property we added in our __init__() method is there too.

Let's inspect it with the dir() method:

dir(mybox.Proxy)

This will return:

['Type', '__class__', '__delattr__', '__dict__', '__dir__', '__doc__',
...
'__str__', '__subclasshook__', '__weakref__']

We can see our Type property. Let's check it:

mybox.Proxy.Type

This will return:

'box'

This is indeed the assigned value, so we know we're accessing the custom class through the FeaturePython object.

Now let's see if we can make our class a little more interesting, and maybe more useful as well.

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Adding properties

Properties are the lifeblood of a FeaturePython class. Fortunately, FreeCAD supports a number of property types for FeaturePython classes. These properties are attached directly to the FeaturePython object and are fully serialized when the file is saved. To avoid having to serialize data yourself, it is advisable to only use these property types.

Adding properties is done using the add_property() method. The syntax for the method is:

add_property(type, name, section, description)

You can view the list of supported properties by typing:

mybox.supportedProperties()

Let's try adding a property to our box class. Switch to your code editor, move to the __init__() method, and at the end of the method add:

obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""

Note how we're using the reference to the (serializable) FeaturePython object obj, and not the (non-serializable) Python class instance self.

Once you're done, save the changes and switch back to FreeCAD. Before we can observe the changes made to our code, we need to reload the module. This can be accomplished by restarting FreeCAD, but restarting FreeCAD every time we edit the code would be inconvenient. To make things easier type the following in the Python console:

from importlib import reload
reload(box)

With the module reloaded, let's see what we get when we create an object:

box.create('box_property_test')

You should see the new box object appear in the Tree view:

  • Select it and look at the Property editor. There, you should see the Description property.
  • Hover over the property name on the left and the tooltip should appear with the description you provided.
  • Select the field and type whatever you like. You'll notice that Python update commands are executed and displayed in the console as you type letters and the property changes.

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Let's add some more properties. Return to your source code and add the following properties to the __init__() method:

obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'

And let's also add some code to recompute the document automatically. Add the following line above the return() statement in the create() method :

App.ActiveDocument.recompute()

Be careful where you recompute a FeaturePython object. Recomputing should be handled by a method external to its class.

Now, test your changes as follows:

  • Save your changes and reload your module.
  • Delete all objects in the Tree view.
  • Create a new box object from the Python console by calling box.create('myBox').

Once the box is created and you've checked to make sure it has been recomputed, select the object and look at its properties. You should note two things:

  • A new property group: Dimensions.
  • Three new properties: Height, Length and Width.

Note also how the properties have units. More specifically, they have taken on the linear units set in the user preferences (Edit → Preference... → General → Units).

No doubt you noticed that three different values were entered for the dimensions: a floating-point value (10.0) and two different strings ('10 mm' and '1 cm'). The App::PropertyLength type assumes floating-point values are in millimeters, string values are parsed according to the units specified, and in the GUI all values are converted to the units specified in the user preferences (mm in the image). This built-in behavior makes the App::PropertyLength type ideal for dimensions.

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Trapping events

The last element required for a basic FeaturePython object is event trapping. A FeaturePython object can react to events with callback functions. In our case we want the object to react whenever it is recomputed. In other words we want to trap recomputes. To accomplish this we need to add a function with a specific name, execute(), to the object class. There are several other events that can be trapped, both in the FeaturePython object itself and in the ViewProvider, which we'll cover in Create a FeaturePython object part II.

For a complete reference of methods available to implement on FeautrePython classes, see FeaturePython methods.

Add the following after the __init__() function:

def execute(self, obj):
    """
    Called on document recompute
    """

    print('Recomputing {0:s} ({1:s})'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))

Test the code by again following these steps:

  • Save and reload the module.
  • Delete all objects.
  • Create a new box object.

You should see the printed output in the Python Console, thanks to the recompute() call we added to the create() method. Of course, the execute() method doesn't do anything here, except tell us that it was called, but it is the key to the magic of FeaturePython objects.

That's it, you now know how to build a basic, functional FeaturePython object!

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Complete code

import FreeCAD as App

def create(obj_name):
    """
    Object creation method
    """

    obj = App.ActiveDocument.addObject('App::FeaturePython', obj_name)

    box(obj)

    App.ActiveDocument.recompute()

    return obj

class box():

    def __init__(self, obj):
        """
        Default constructor
        """

        self.Type = 'box'

        obj.Proxy = self

        obj.addProperty('App::PropertyString', 'Description', 'Base', 'Box description').Description = ""
        obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Length', 'Dimensions', 'Box length').Length = 10.0
        obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Width', 'Dimensions', 'Box width').Width = '10 mm'
        obj.addProperty('App::PropertyLength', 'Height', 'Dimensions', 'Box height').Height = '1 cm'

    def execute(self, obj):
        """
        Called on document recompute
        """

        print('Recomputing {0:s} ({1:s})'.format(obj.Name, self.Type))

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