About DWG and DXF (cad) file formats and applications

From: drf_alex (drf_alex_at_yahoo.se)
Date: 08/23/03 

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2003 19:08:41 +0200

Hello,
                                 (1.st: sorry for my poor english)

I'am searching for a DWG and DXF (cad file) parser written in C/C++.

[Q]: Are there any GPL (General Public License) projects which address
these proprietary, closed AutoCad file formats ?

It's quite irritating that AutoCad DWG file format is closed and mainly
unknown to developers and engineers. DXF is de-facto (AutoCad) drawing
standard and it's well known and documented. But DWG is not, even beeing
so dominant in CAD-world.

-----------

www.openDWG.org : (HARDLY OPEN ?)

I have just visited the www.openDWG.org, which claims to provide a
parser for AutoCad DWG and DXF files. The name "open" could imply that
the source code is avalable for download and review, but NO !! One has
to pay (quite a lot of money) to get hands on the source. Thou openDWG
provides binary libraries for various platforms.

Binary libraries are not a valid option for many - Developers need a
GPL'ed source.

And it seems that many volunteers contribute and do free TESTING for them.

openDWG.org should change their name to closedDWG and back off and leave
the scene with AutoDesk (acad) ! f'em really.

-----------

A SERIOUS PROPOSITION:

Ww need a stronly GPL'ed CAD project which re/reverse-engineers and
OPENs the DWG-binary file format. Let's call this project for OpenCAD,
for example. Give it a better name.

It would be:
   - GPL'ed C/C++ project, mainly developed on Linux.
    (gradually ported to other OS'es)

It could comprise these tools:
   - Analyze and convert DWG and DXF (or other important) file formats.
   - Create a complete 2D/3D CAD drafting tool for architectual
     and mechanical engineering.
   - Gradually, it should understand the meaning of an 'object' - not
     just existence of simple lines, arcs and circles.

Suggested project groups (just thinking):
  - Reverse engineering and documentation of DWG AutoCad file format.
  - DXF parser and C/C++ structures and classes to hold the data.
  - Multi platform GUI with QT ot GTK toolkits.
  - Admin of project space on www.sourceforge.net (e.g.)
  - ...

This kind of OpenCAD should read/write the most-important CAD formats,
but it needs to emphasize, point out open standards such as XML, so
other tools can make use of it's output.

[Q]: Are there anyone who would like to lead such a project?

I believe that many developers, designers, mathematicians etc. will come
and participate. I have no capacity or knowledge to lead this project,
but I do really want to contribute and co-work.

Let's open the world of CAD.

Any comments ?

Please, give reply to news://comp.os.linux.development.apps

With best wishes,
  Alex drf.

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