Plugins can be developed to make use of CSI API from inside CSI programs.
Information on developing and using plugins is available on the "Information for Plugin Developers" page of the CSI API help file. The CSI API help file is a Windows help file with .chm extension located in the program installation directory of each program. The name of the help file depends on the program as indicated below:
- ETABS: "CSI API ETABS v1.chm"
- SAP2000: "CSi OAPI Documentation.chm"
Developers can create either COM plugins or .NET plugins. COM plugins require registration whereas .NET plugins do not, and are therefore recommended over COM plugins.