My First Plug-in (failed to initialize)

[JFN_KSH]

I'm trying to follow the My First Plug-in series tutorial... I'm getting this error (see image) & I don't have a clue why? I'm using frameworks 4.5.2 here's my VB code:

Imports System
Imports System.Collections.Generic
Imports System.Linq
Imports Autodesk.Revit.DB
Imports Autodesk.Revit.DB.Architecture
Imports Autodesk.Revit.UI
Imports Autodesk.Revit.UI.Selection
Imports Autodesk.Revit.ApplicationServices
Imports Autodesk.Revit.Attributes

<TransactionAttribute(TransactionMode.Manual)>
<RegenerationAttribute(RegenerationOption.Manual)>
Public Class Lab1PlaceGroup
    Implements Autodesk.Revit.UI.IExternalCommand

    Public Function Execute(commandData As ExternalCommandData, ByRef message As String, elements As ElementSet) As Result Implements IExternalCommand.Execute
        Dim uiApp As UIApplication = commandData.Application
        Dim doc As Document = uiApp.ActiveUIDocument.Document
        Dim pickRef As Reference = Nothing
        Dim sel As Selection = uiApp.ActiveUIDocument.Selection
        pickRef = sel.PickObject(ObjectType.Element, "Please select a group")
        Dim elem As Element = doc.GetElement(pickRef)
        Dim group As Group = elem

        Dim point As XYZ = sel.PickPoint("Please pick a point to place group")

        Dim trans As Transaction = New Transaction(doc)
        trans.Start("Lab")
        doc.Create.PlaceGroup(point, group.GroupType)
        trans.Commit()

        Return Result.Succeeded
    End Function
End Class

[stever66]

I don't really know Vb.  But if your code is right, make sure your .addin file is pointing to the right file name and location.

[JFN_KSH]

My .addin is pointing to the bin/debug folder (not the release folder). But all seems to be fine.... I'm still looking... thanks!

[stever66]

You might try C# since that's what the tutorial uses.  It also seems like most people using the Revit API are using C#.  And most of the examples seem to be in C#.

You can always convert it back to VB once you get it working.

[FaustoMendezcom]

To troubleshoot your addin file

paste this on you addin file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<RevitAddIns>
  <AddIn Type="Command">    
    <Assembly>Lab1PlaceGroup.dll</Assembly>
    <ClientId>502fe383-2648-4e98-adf8-5e6047f9dc34</ClientId>
    <FullClassName>Lab1PlaceGroup</FullClassName>
    <Text>Lab1PlaceGroup</Text>
    <VendorId>ADSK</VendorId>
    <VisibilityMode>AlwaysVisible</VisibilityMode>
  </AddIn>
</RevitAddIns>

and place your DLL (Lab1PlaceGroup.dll)

in the same folder .

[JFN_KSH · Accepted solution]

Ok.. I just got it working... (I am now trying the Hello world tutorial). I had to remove the namespace statement from my VB code... Which was translated from an internet site. Thanks a bunch to all!!

Imports System
Imports Autodesk.Revit.UI
Imports Autodesk.Revit.DB



<Autodesk.Revit.Attributes.Transaction(Autodesk.Revit.Attributes.TransactionMode.Manual)>
    Public Class Class1
        Implements IExternalCommand

        Public Function Execute(commandData As ExternalCommandData, ByRef message As String, elements As ElementSet) As Result Implements IExternalCommand.Execute
            TaskDialog.Show("Revit", "Hello World")
            Return Autodesk.Revit.UI.Result.Succeeded
        End Function
    End Class

[stever66]

Glad you got it working.

I may have missed it but I didn't see a namespace in your code.  Also I'm not sure what you had in your addin file, but if there is a namespace, the addin file has to refer to the entry point as;

<FullClassName>MyNamespace.Lab1PlaceGroup</FullClassName>

where you put your actual namespace name in for MyNamespace.

[JFN_KSH]

Thanks, I guess you're right... I do not see any Namespace in my previous pasted code... I'm having a lot of trouble with that .addin manifest... Now I have to figure out why I can't debug... Visual studio just doesn't seem to be capable of starting Revit 2018... 

[stever66]

You have to use the "step-into" on the revit Macros dialog box.

You can't use the "step-into" command inside the Sharp editor.

If that still doesn't work - search this forum.  There was a recent post with that problem and a solution by unloading other addins.

[JFN_KSH · Accepted solution]

I just found last night my  answer as to why I could not debug.... I had to enable the Used managed compatibility mode in visual studio. As mentioned on this previous thread:https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-api-forum/advice-on-debugging-c-in-visual-studio/m-p/6496811/hi.... Now I'm on my way... Thanks to all!!! 

[stever66]

Right, that's a common issue with the newer VS.

I'm not sure why I thought you were using the Sharp Macro editor.....