PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate

A structured template for developing Grasshopper plugins using C# and Python.NET.

Overview

PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate provides an efficient framework for integrating Python.NET into Grasshopper plugin development. By leveraging Python.NET and the official Grasshopper development template from McNeel, this template enables developers to create powerful Grasshopper components that seamlessly execute Python scripts within C#.

Key Features:

• Python.NET Integration – Embed and call Python 3 classes and methods directly within C# Grasshopper components.
• Seamless Grasshopper Development – Built on the official Grasshopper template for structured plugin development.
• Direct Python Library Access – Use NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, and other Python libraries inside Grasshopper without extra wrappers.
• Multi-Version Compatibility – Supports Rhino 7 and Rhino 8 for maximum flexibility.
• Enhanced Workflow – Develop and manage multiple Grasshopper components efficiently in Visual Studio.

Why Use PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate?

✅ Full Python and .NET Compatibility – Leverage both Python’s flexibility and C#’s performance.
✅ Structured and Scalable Development – Use Visual Studio for better organization, debugging, and maintainability.
✅ No Need for Interprocess Communication – Unlike subprocess-based solutions, Python.NET allows direct interaction with Python objects from C#.
✅ Optimized Data Sharing – Avoid unnecessary data transfers when exchanging information between Python and C#.
✅ Supports Advanced Python Libraries – Work with scientific, AI, and CAD-related Python libraries seamlessly.

How It Works

This template combines Python.NET with the official Grasshopper development template, allowing C# components to:

1. Load and execute Python scripts dynamically, without spawning subprocesses.
2. Directly use Python libraries within C# with efficient memory and data sharing.
3. Integrate Python-powered logic into Grasshopper components with minimal overhead.

Installation

Prerequisites

1. Install Rhino – Rhino 7 or Rhino 8 recommended.
2. Install Anaconda3 – Latest version from Anaconda.com. Anaconda is recommended over a basic Python Installation to manage virtual environments and installed libraries easily.
3. Clone the Repository – GitHub Repo.
4. Set Up in Visual Studio – Open PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate.sln and launch Rhino 7 (or 8) in Debug mode.
5. Develop Custom Grasshopper Components – Follow the Official Grasshopper Developer Guide

Use Cases

PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate is ideal for:

• Advanced Grasshopper Plugin Development – Use Python and C# together for custom components.
• Scientific and Computational Applications – Integrate Python libraries for numerical computing, AI, and automation.
• Rhino and CAD Automation – Enhance Rhino workflows with Python.NET and C# capabilities.

License

PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License.

📌 GitHub Repository: PythonNETGrasshopperTemplate on GitHub