[Question][Tuto] How to create an app ?

quentin_mouty

Hello everybody,
I am new in Onshape but I found this product already amazing. I have however a question regarding the app.
My understanding is that everybody can create an app a propose it to the community but I do not understand how to create an app.
I have been on this page :https://dev-portal.onshape.com/oauthApps but from what I saw I need to developed an app first, then fill this form.
I am wrong ?
If yes can someone explain me how to create an app ? It do not have clear idea of want I want to do but I wanted to try the possibility of such development.

Thank you
Quentin.

philip_thomas

@quentin_mouty - YES!
A custom feature is best for any situation where you are creating geometry just as any other feature in Onshape.
If your need is to 'get' or 'set' things in a document or interact with the outside world in a way that is not part of the regeneration of a part studio, then an app may be more appropriate.
Perhaps looking at the apps in the app store and comparing them to custom features offered may help you decide

https://appstore.onshape.com/?sort=featured

www.onshape.com/featurescript

and if you want to register as a developer and have access to the api (dont worry - completely free), go here

https://dev-portal.onshape.com/signin

I hope this helps

philip_thomas

@quentin_mouty - Thank you for your question about writing an 'app'. While it is entirely possible to write an app (check out the app store for examples) the process is a little more involved than writing a 'custom feature'. Before we go down the other path, can we double check what you're trying to do? Does your idea create/modify geometry in a part studio? If yes, then you may well be wanting to write a custom feature - this is a capability unlike anything before in CAD. A custom feature is written in the same language that our developers use for every feature in Onshape (and we have open sourced our source code to get you going). Here is a great jumping off point for using and writing custom features -
www.onshape.com/featurescript

Let me know if that meets your needs.

quentin_mouty

philip_thomas - Thank you for your answer.
I am aware of the feature system which seems really nice but I want to see what can we do with feature and what can we do with App.
It is not clear at least for me what are the possibilities from the App and from the feature. In what cases I will need an App and in other a feature.
After reading you, my understanding is that for 3D purpose the feature do well but for other thing like data transformation App is more pertinent.
Am I right ?

philip_thomas

@quentin_mouty - YES!
A custom feature is best for any situation where you are creating geometry just as any other feature in Onshape.
If your need is to 'get' or 'set' things in a document or interact with the outside world in a way that is not part of the regeneration of a part studio, then an app may be more appropriate.
Perhaps looking at the apps in the app store and comparing them to custom features offered may help you decide

https://appstore.onshape.com/?sort=featured

www.onshape.com/featurescript

and if you want to register as a developer and have access to the api (dont worry - completely free), go here

https://dev-portal.onshape.com/signin

I hope this helps

quentin_mouty

Yes I better understand thank you.

arick_gomes

philip_thomas said:

@quentin_mouty - YES!
A custom feature is best for any situation where you are creating geometry just as any other feature in Onshape.
If your need is to 'get' or 'set' things in a document or interact with the outside world in a way that is not part of the regeneration of a part studio, then an app may be more appropriate.
Perhaps looking at the apps in the app store and comparing them to custom features offered may help you decide

https://appstore.onshape.com/?sort=featured

www.onshape.com/featurescript

and if you want to register as a developer and have access to the api (dont worry - completely free), go here

https://dev-portal.onshape.com/signin

I hope this helps

Thank you for your information sir,  When deciding between custom features and apps in Onshape, consider your task's nature. Custom features are for geometry creation, while apps handle external interactions.

john_carter851

quentin_mouty said:

Hello everybody,
I am new in Onshape but I found this product already amazing. I have however a question regarding the app.
My understanding is that everybody can create an app a propose it to the community but I do not understand how to create an app.
I have been on this page :https://dev-portal.onshape.com/oauthApps but from what I saw I need to developed an app first, then fill this form.
I am wrong ?
If yes can someone explain me how to create an app ? It do not have clear idea of want I want to do but I wanted to try the possibility of such development.

Thank you
Quentin.

First, set up a developer account, then access the developer resources and test your app. After, checking the app you may submit the app.