![orcaflex python orcaflex python](https://davedocs.online/_images/screenshot_snake15.png)
The module containing the external function class can also contain other classes and supporting Python code, and can import other modules. The external function methods that OrcaFlex will call if they are defined are described below and in the OrcFxAPI help file.
![orcaflex python orcaflex python](https://cdn.cupdf.com/img/1200x630/reader011/image/20190114/55cf8d0d5503462b1391b1f9.png)
Your Python external function needs to be implemented as a Python class that defines a number of specific methods, such as the Calculate method which OrcaFlex will call each time the value is of 14 We like Notepad++ () but there are many others. You will also need a text editor for editing your Python code, preferably one that is sensitive to Python’s syntax and formatting. Now you can check your OrcaFlex DLL version by typing OrcFxAPI.DLLVersion() at the Python prompt – this should be 9.5 or above. If you are then presented with the Python prompt again and no error then the OrcaFlex Python API has been successfully installed. Then at the Python prompt type: import OrcFxAPI (case-sensitive). To test your setup, open a command prompt and type: python This should open the Python command window (providing Python is on your search path) and show the Python version. That setting is made on the External Function data of the Variable Data form in OrcaFlex. If you do want to use Python 3 then you will need to modify the OrcaFlex data files to specify Python 3 rather than Python 2. Note that the example files are configured for Python 2. If you have version 9.6 or later then you can use Python 3 should you prefer. To use Python external functions you need to be running OrcaFlex version 9.5 or later and have Python 2.6 or later installed on your computer. For information on such cases, see the Handling Multiple Data Items : MovingAverageSpeedAndDirection and Dynamic Positioning System examples, and the External Function Calling Order section, below. If a single external function is used to calculate more than one data item then it will be called multiple times per calculation step – once for each data item.
ORCAFLEX PYTHON CODE
However even if this applies, Python might still be useful, as a convenient interface between OrcaFlex and some compiled code that implements the significant processing part of the calculation.
![orcaflex python orcaflex python](https://www.orcina.com/webhelp/OrcFxAPI/Content/image/PythonNoOrcFxAPIError.png)
So Python is less suitable if the function does a significant amount of processing and simulation time is an important consideration. The trade off for this convenience is speed: a Python external function will be slower to run than one written in C++. Python takes care of many complexities such as memory management and type casting (see the OrcFxAPI help for more). This help file is also available on our website: Writing an OrcaFlex external function in Python is significantly simpler than writing it in C++ or some other fully-compiled language.
![orcaflex python orcaflex python](https://pic3.zhimg.com/v2-ed9dfde3d629e53c32529f5fd834ac02_b.jpg)
For this reference documentation, see the OrcFxAPI help (the file OrcFxAPI.chm in the OrcFxAPI sub-folder of your OrcaFlex installation folder) and search that help file for the topic Python External Functions.
ORCAFLEX PYTHON HOW TO
See also the Python section of the OrcFxAPI reference documentation, which gives the details of the Python objects that OrcaFlex passes to the Python external function, and also describes how to run OrcaFlex from a Python script. This guide and the Python and C++ examples are also available on our website – see – and you might find more recent information there. It should be read in conjunction with the example Python modules in the same folder as this file. This guide explains how to implement an external function in Python.