The Autodesk Platform Services (APS) Data Exchange SDK has been updated to version 6.3.0, featuring key API enhancements that improve type safety and make geometry processing more efficient.
This update removes deprecated classes for a cleaner API and introduces some breaking changes, and consequently, migrating from version 6.2.0 should be done with caution. More details can be found here.
If you have not yet enrolled in the beta program, you may access it here. Participation provides early access and the opportunity to contribute feedback that will help shape the SDK.
Why upgrade to v6.3.0-beta?
Upgrading to SDK 6.3.0 provides several important benefits:
Enhanced Type Safety
Integer-based color values provide more intuitive and precise color control. The API contracts are clearer with strongly-typed parameters, and there's reduced ambiguity in color value ranges.
Streamlined Geometry API
Unified geometry handling through GeometryContainer simplifies the API surface with removal of deprecated classes. This provides more consistent geometry operation patterns across the SDK.
Performance & Reliability
Optimized color processing with integer operations improves performance. The release includes improved memory efficiency in geometry operations and better API consistency across the SDK.
Breaking Changes in v6.3.0-beta:
1. MeshAPI.Color() Parameter Type Change
The MeshAPI.Color() method has shifted from float-based (0.0-1.0) to integer-based (0-255) color values. This change makes color handling more intuitive and aligns with common RGB representations used across the industry.
Before (SDK 6.2.0):
// Color values were float from 0.0 to 1.0
MeshAPI.Color(0.5f, 0.75f, 1.0f, 1.0f); // RGBA as floats
After (SDK 6.3.0):
// Color values are now int from 0 to 255
MeshAPI.Color(127, 191, 255, 255); // RGBA as integers
💡 Migration Tip: Convert your float values using the formula: intValue = (int)(floatValue * 255)
2. CurveSet Removal
The CurveSet class has been removed in favor of a unified GeometryContainer approach. This streamlines geometry operations and provides a more consistent API for handling all geometry types, including curves.
Before (SDK 6.2.0):
// CurveSet class was available for curve operations
CurveSet curveSet = new CurveSet();
// ... curve operations
After (SDK 6.3.0):
// CurveSet has been removed - use GeometryContainer instead
GeometryContainer geometryContainer = new GeometryContainer();
// ... geometry operations
💡 Migration Tip: Replace all CurveSet usage with GeometryContainer and update your curve handling logic to use the GeometryContainer API.
Conclusion
The release of Data Exchange SDK 6.3.0 represents meaningful improvements in API design and developer experience. While the breaking changes require migration effort, the resulting codebase will be cleaner, more maintainable, and better positioned for future enhancements. The shift to integer-based colors and unified geometry handling through GeometryContainer makes the API more intuitive and consistent.
We encourage all developers to migrate to version 6.3.0 to take advantage of these improvements. The migration process is straightforward when following the steps outlined in this guide.
Additional Resources:
- Changelog – Data Exchange SDK 6.3.0-beta
- Migration Guide from 6.2.0 to 6.3.0
- Data Exchange .Net SDK Tutorial