Integrate STEPcode into IfcOpenShell

[aothms]

Outline

IfcOpenShell is a software library for IFC building models. This open standard IFC is largely based on the STEP family of standards, ISO 10303. There is a well-known parser and code generator for that called STEPcode. IfcOpenShell currently uses it's own parser for the model files (C++) and the schema files (Python) but would like to offer support for STEPcode in the means of an additional parser that can be selected at runtime.

Expected Outcome and future Possibilities

Advantages of completing this project include:

• Express schema parsing in C has advantages with respect to latebound (selecting a novel schema at runtime) parsing (which is now only possible in Python and then doesn't support geometry processing)
• Conformance to the SDAI standard to offer a uniform interface for access to the parser and model
• Consolidated effort to implement some of the remaining functionality such as support for imperative code embedded in the schema file (where rules, functions, and derived attributes)

Project Properties

Skills

C++

Parsing

Difficulty

Medium

Size

Size

Applicants can choose to approach this proposal either as a Medium-sided project or Long.

Medium (175h)

The applicant focuses on integrating STEPcode, predominantly intended to evaluate its usage and advantages. The result can be a demonstrator where the current parser is simply replaced without any effort in a generalized effort and runtime selection mechanism of the parser.

Long (350h)

The applicant aims to provide a runtime selection mechanism of the parser and general code architecture to facilitate both parsers.

Additional Information

Potential mentor(s): Thomas Krijnen @aothms

Organization website: http://ifcopenshell.org/

Communication channels: https://sourceforge.net/p/ifcopenshell/discussion/