Catia Caa Plugin

CATIA CAA Plugin

Core Workflow

Use this skill for small CATIA V5 CAA demo plugins and local smoke tests.

1. Inspect the existing workspace first: look for *.dico, Imakefile.mk, IdentityCard.h, *.CATNls, Start_*.bat, Install_config_*, and any working example.
2. Search the installed CAA documentation and examples under C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\CAADoc before writing or changing CAA code. If the task category is unclear, use references/caa-doc-navigation.md to map the request to the right official docs and .edu examples first. Prefer same-version examples over memory for APIs, link modules, .dico, CNext, and Imakefile.mk details.
3. Scaffold or modify a CAA framework/module using the local RADE layout: <Project>\<Framework>\<Module>.m\LocalInterfaces, src, CNext\code\dictionary, CNext\resources\msgcatalog, and IdentityCard.
4. Register add-ins in a .dico file and make sure command header ids, class names, module names, and NLS files match exactly.
5. Compile with the machine's RADE/Visual Studio environment, then verify that the DLL and dictionary were copied into the project's runtime win_b64 tree.
6. Launch CATIA through CATSTART -env -direnv, never by bare CNEXT.exe with only plugin paths.
7. For UI testing, stop after launch and basic process/window checks. Notify the user to perform all CATIA UI actions manually, then use their observations and CATIA logs for follow-up diagnosis.

For compact code patterns and local commands, read references/v5r21-workflow.md. For task-to-document navigation across ApplicationFrame, Dialog, DialogEngine, Product Structure, GSM, Mechanical Modeler, and Object Specs Modeler topics, read references/caa-doc-navigation.md. For Part workbench add-ins, Chinese NLS, classic toolbar icons, model selection agents, V5R21 dialog layouts, GSM point coordinates, nested geometrical sets, applicative metadata, persistent workflow state, pad-to-surface features, external calculation logs, temporary 3D annotations, or batch geometry safety, read references/part-workbench-geometry.md. For Product Structure CATPart insertion, transactional batch CATPart creation, cross-module service bridges, instance placement, tree refresh, or persistent assembly constraints, read references/product-structure-assembly.md. For symptom-driven debugging, read references/troubleshooting.md.

Bundled Helpers

• Use scripts/check_caa_project.ps1 before or after a build when the project shape, copied runtime artifacts, dictionary files, or message catalogs are suspect.
• Use scripts/scan_mkmk_log.ps1 after redirecting an mkmk build log; classify license/setup failures separately from C++ compile/link failures.
• Keep helper output as evidence. Do not treat mkmk exit code alone as proof of success.

Local Assumptions

• CATIA install: C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21
• RADE install: C:\DassaultSystemes\RADEv5r21
• Working tree for demos: C:\CatiaTest\LYD_GG_DESIGN
• Build env batch observed on this machine: C:\DassaultSystemes\caa_work\mytest\test1\ToolsData\VisualStudio2008\vcenv.bat
• Base CATIA environment file: C:\ProgramData\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv\CATIA_P3.V5R21.B21.txt
• Official CAA docs/examples: C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\CAADoc

Confirm paths before using them. Prefer project-local CATIA env files under <Project>\CATEnv so tests do not pollute the user's global CATIA environment.

Use Installed CAA Docs First

Before implementing a feature, use rg against CAADoc to find official V5R21 examples that match the target API or workbench. Good first searches:

rg -n "CATIPRDWorkshopAddin|CATIWorkbenchAddin|CATStateCommand|CATDlgNotify" C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\CAADoc
rg -n "CATCreateClass|CATImplementClass|MacDeclareHeader|TIE_CAT" C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\CAADoc
rg -n "CATHybridShapeFactory|CATIGSMFactory|CreateLine|CreatePoint" C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\CAADoc

Useful areas include:

• CAAApplicationFrame.edu for command headers, add-ins, workbenches, workshops, menus, and toolbars.
• CAADialog.edu and CAADialogEngine.edu for dialogs and state-command interactions.
• CAAProductStructure.edu, CAAAssemblyUI.edu, and Product Structure related examples for assembly/product workbench behavior.
• CAAGSMInterfaces.edu, CAAMechanicalModeler.edu, CAAObjectSpecsModeler.edu, and geometry/modeler docs for creating or editing CATPart geometry.

When a matching example exists, copy its architectural pattern rather than inventing one. Use the example's Imakefile.mk as the starting point for link modules, then trim only after the build is stable.

Implementation Rules

• Use Chinese for custom UI labels/messages unless the user requests English or a CATIA contract requires exact English ids.
• Keep command/header ids ASCII and stable: e.g. HelloWorldCmdHeader, HelloWorldAddin, HelloWorldCmd.
• For a Product Structure / Assembly toolbar, implement CATIPRDWorkshopAddin, tie it with TIE_CATIPRDWorkshopAddin, and register in .dico as AddinClass CATIPRDWorkshopAddin libModuleName.
• For a Part workbench toolbar, implement CATIPrtCfgAddin; for multiple buttons under one toolbar, use one SetAccessChild followed by SetAccessNext siblings.
• If one framework supports several workbenches, prefer separate .m modules and register their add-ins in the same framework .dico.
• Use CATStateCommand one-shot commands for simple button actions; call RequestDelayedDestruction() after showing a dialog or writing a test log.
• Add only the needed link modules in Imakefile.mk; for a simple dialog command include ApplicationFrame, CATDialogEngine, CATPrsWksPRDWorkshop, and ProductStructureUIUUID when targeting PRDWorkshop.
• Do not modify Dassault public headers unless the user explicitly permits it. If a vendor header is already known to be corrupted, back it up before repair and restore it when asked.

Build

Run builds from the project root after loading the RADE/VS environment:

call C:\DassaultSystemes\caa_work\mytest\test1\ToolsData\VisualStudio2008\vcenv.bat
cd /d C:\CatiaTest\LYD_GG_DESIGN\<ProjectName>
C:\DassaultSystemes\RADEv5r21\intel_a\code\command\mkmk.bat -a -u

For one-shot automation, it is OK to chain the same steps through cmd /c:

cmd /c "call C:\DassaultSystemes\caa_work\mytest\test1\ToolsData\VisualStudio2008\vcenv.bat && cd /d C:\CatiaTest\LYD_GG_DESIGN\<ProjectName> && C:\DassaultSystemes\RADEv5r21\intel_a\code\command\mkmk.bat -a -u"

Interpret the command in stages:

• vcenv.bat prepares VS2008/RADE variables such as INCLUDE, LIB, PATH, Mkmk*, and mkcs*.
• cd /d <Project> must land in the RADE project root containing CATIAV5Level.lvl, Install_config_win_b64, and framework folders.
• mkmk.bat -a -u builds all modules and requests runtime-view update, but -u does not guarantee every runtime artifact was copied. Always verify DLL, library, dictionary, and message catalogs after the build.

Expected runtime artifacts:

• <Project>\win_b64\code\bin\<Module>.dll
• <Project>\win_b64\code\dictionary\<Framework>.dico
• <Project>\win_b64\resources\msgcatalog\...

If compilation starts failing in CATCommandHeader.h after previous experiments, inspect the file state and any backups before changing it. This is a global CATIA header and should not be silently edited.

Build Preflight And Pitfalls

Before running mkmk, verify root control files and direct dependencies:

• CATIAV5Level.lvl must be the real CAA level header, not a tiny placeholder or missing file.
• Install_config_win_b64 should point to the CATIA install, usually: <Install> compatible C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21
• IdentityCard.h must declare each framework used by LINK_WITH as a direct prerequisite. If mkmk says a linked module is ignored because it is not a direct prerequisite, add the owning framework to IdentityCard.h.
• A Start_*.bat file may be empty in unfinished projects; do not treat its presence as proof that runtime launch is ready.

Do not trust mkmk exit code alone. It may return success while printing build failures. Always scan output for mkmk-ERROR, make-ERROR, syst-ERROR, fatal error, and error C.

Differentiate license/setup failures from C++ compile failures. If output contains RequestLicensesFromSettings and text like the requested licenses do not authorize the given product, MAB, the command may not have reached source compilation; inspect CATIA/RADE license settings instead of changing C++ code.

On this machine, mkmk can fail the MAB authorization check under a sandbox/offline execution user while succeeding as the real Windows user. Before treating MAB as a project or C++ problem, retry the same command with real-user/escalated execution and compare shell fingerprints. A successful environment observed here has:

• whoami=desktop-c64rlob\carcharoth
• USERNAME=Carcharoth
• USERPROFILE=C:\Users\Carcharoth
• RADECATSettingPath=C:\Users\Carcharoth\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes\CATSettings\RADE
• __COMPAT_LAYER=ElevateCreateProcess
• MkmkROOT_PATH=C:\DASSAU~1\RADEV5~1\intel_a
• MkmkINSTALL_PATH=C:\DASSAU~1\RADEV5~1

When comparing two agents/shells, use delayed expansion so values after vcenv.bat are not hidden by early %VAR% expansion:

cmd /v:on /c "whoami && echo USERNAME=!USERNAME! && echo USERPROFILE=!USERPROFILE! && echo CD=!CD! && echo before_RADECATSettingPath=!RADECATSettingPath! && echo before_COMPAT=!__COMPAT_LAYER! && call C:\DassaultSystemes\caa_work\mytest\test1\ToolsData\VisualStudio2008\vcenv.bat >nul && echo after_RADECATSettingPath=!RADECATSettingPath! && echo after_COMPAT=!__COMPAT_LAYER! && echo TCK_TMP_FILE=!TCK_TMP_FILE! && echo MkmkROOT_PATH=!MkmkROOT_PATH! && echo MkmkINSTALL_PATH=!MkmkINSTALL_PATH! && dir /a "!RADECATSettingPath!""

For reproducible diagnosis, redirect build logs and scan them before drawing conclusions:

cmd /c "call C:\DassaultSystemes\caa_work\mytest\test1\ToolsData\VisualStudio2008\vcenv.bat >nul && cd /d <Project> && C:\DassaultSystemes\RADEv5r21\intel_a\code\command\mkmk.bat -a -u > mkmk_build.log 2>&1"

If mkmk succeeds but DLL timestamps do not change, it may have decided everything is up to date. Compare source, object, and runtime artifact timestamps such as <Module>.cpp, Objects\win_b64\<Module>.obj, and win_b64\code\bin\<Module>.dll before assuming a change was compiled.

For V5R21-specific C++ issues:

• Check installed headers before using UI constants. CATGRID_VCENTER is not available in this V5R21 install; use supported constants such as CATGRID_LEFT, CATGRID_RIGHT, CATGRID_CENTER, and CATGRID_4SIDES.
• Use CATListOfCATBaseUnknown.h for CATListValCATBaseUnknown_var; do not invent include names.
• Avoid non-ASCII C++ string literals with VS2008/mkmk unless the source encoding is proven compatible. Prefer localized UI text in .CATNls; on Chinese Windows/CATIA V5R21, Chinese .CATNls files may need GBK/ANSI rather than UTF-8 for correct toolbar display.

After a successful link, verify runtime artifacts, not just object files:

• <Project>\win_b64\code\bin\<Module>.dll
• <Project>\win_b64\code\lib\<Module>.lib
• <Project>\win_b64\code\dictionary\<Framework>.dico
• <Project>\win_b64\resources\msgcatalog\...

If .dico was not copied into win_b64\code\dictionary, copy it from <Framework>\CNext\code\dictionary; without it CATIA will not discover the add-in even when the DLL exists.

Launch And Test

Create a project-local env file by copying the base CATIA env and prepending plugin paths:

• CATDLLPath=<Project>\win_b64\code\bin;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\code\bin
• CATDictionaryPath=<Project>\win_b64\code\dictionary;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\code\dictionary
• CATMsgCatalogPath=<Project>\win_b64\resources\msgcatalog;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\resources\msgcatalog
• CATGraphicPath=<Project>\win_b64\resources\graphic;<Project>\win_b64\resources\graphic\icons;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\resources\graphic
• PATH=<Project>\win_b64\code\bin;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\code\bin;C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\code\command;%JAVA_HOME%\bin;%PATH%

Use a launcher like:

@echo off
setlocal
set "PROJECT_HOME=C:\CatiaTest\LYD_GG_DESIGN\<ProjectName>"
set "CATSTART=C:\DassaultSystemes\CatiaV5R21\win_b64\code\bin\CATSTART.exe"
start "CATIA <ProjectName>" "%CATSTART%" -run "CNEXT.exe" -env <EnvName> -direnv "%PROJECT_HOME%\CATEnv"

If CATIA opens as a gray blank frame with no menus/toolbars, suspect startup environment first. Check whether CATIA was launched as bare CNEXT.exe; this usually means core CATIA dictionary/msgcatalog/command paths were not loaded.

For UI tests, the agent must only launch CATIA and perform non-interactive process/window checks. Do not click buttons, open documents, switch workbenches, fill dialogs, or otherwise operate the CATIA interface. After launch, tell the user that CATIA is ready for manual testing and list the specific UI checks they should perform.

Diagnostics

• Check process state: Get-Process CNEXT -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Select Id, MainWindowTitle, Responding
• Check command line when permissions allow: Get-CimInstance Win32_Process -Filter "Name='CNEXT.exe'" | Select ProcessId, CommandLine
• Check CATIA log: %LOCALAPPDATA%\DassaultSystemes\CATTemp\error.log
• If the plugin button is missing but CATIA UI is normal, inspect .dico, add-in interface, NLS/header ids, and whether the target workbench is active.
• If CATIA exits normally after launch, verify the user did not close it and inspect the latest error.log line for normal_end vs abend.