How to start with gh programming?

I want to begin that I have never had any contact with programming whatsoever.

I did complete the tutorials with VB in Primer and some other and I understand them.

BUT anything that I try that is not very similar to the tutorial codes seem VERY confusing to me. Also I have no idea where to find the different 'functions' (dunno how they are called) like On3dPoint, GH_Path etc. Or where do I check how the syntax for expression editor expression's Format works? (It took me like half an hour to figure out what the {0} is...)

I don't have any projects to complete right now, I just want to learn it so i can start with basics etc.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred Becquelin on June 24, 2012 at 11:14am

Hi A. ,

Well it was difficult for me in the beginning too! Still is to be honest... So here is my advice.

First I'd like to point that it's much easier to learn if you have a specific project. It's true for learning GH as well as scripting. In my case my first shot was a grandstand script, which requires a simple iteration. So try to pick something where you know what the result should be, and keep it simple! Grandstand is good ;)

You really need to have clear ideas. So if you want to start from the very beginning script something you already did in GH, then write a pseudo-code ie write the script in plain english (in french in my case!) draw diagrams and sketches...

Second, forget open nurbs and go here to the RhinoCommon SDK reference site. Its much more simple. That is if you want to stick with VB. I don't know Python at all but I was told it's even simpler.

Btw "functions" are called Methods. They apply to Objects and they need Arguments - that's what's within brackets. Got it? Object.method(arg1,arg2)

Third, don't bother with data trees, its difficult and not very useful in most cases. Usually you can manage with the access type in the inputs menu (item, list, tree) and basic GH post processing if you really need to. But remember, keep it simple in the beginning!

And fourth, there are plenty of examples on this forum, and lots of people willing to help, so use the search feild and post questions (with precise titles plz!!)

Good luck! you'll spend a few nights over it for sure :))

Fred.

Permalink Reply by A. Nowak on June 24, 2012 at 1:21pm