Adventures in coding

So I'm jumping into coding with both feet. I honestly believe, for my firm at least, that becoming more efficient is how we'll see more profit. I think a very good way to become more efficient is with specific add-ins for Revit. Of course it is possible to hire a developer to do this, but I figured if they can do it so can I. So I'm learning C# and gaining a ton of experience along the way trying to build add-ins. I will say it's not for everyone. I think I like it because of the challenge and because I want to be the hero. I want to be the guy who builds something everyone can use and it makes their lives easier. 
I'm going about it two ways. First I got my hands on an ebook called Head First C# and I couldn't be more pleased with how it's written. It's filled with lots of images and funny little text written as if someone is taking notes on the pages. Most of all it keeps my attention. It's not dry and filled with endless code speak that a beginner would have a hard time understanding. Secondly I'm using Autodesk's SDK. It comes with a bunch of samples that allow you to play around with to see how they function. 
Currently I'm working toward developing an add-in that will allow an architect to create a sketch sheet based on an RFI from a contractor. Right now there isn't a good way in Revit to handle sketches and we utilize three different ways across our firm. Creating this tool will help in two ways. First it will provide one way to handle sketches for RFI's therefore taking away some of the guess work. Secondly it will speed up the process thus making the user more efficient. 
I'm starting with one of the samples from the SDK called AllViews. I'm using some of the sample code which allows a user to pick a view that has been create (the sketch) and a title block. Once the user hits the OK button the sheet is created with the view placed in the center of the sheet. 
Here's some of that sample code:

I've been interested it this for a while now and I'm determined to learn it and become good at it. In my opinion this is good for all those wanting to take Revit to the next level and become more efficient in the process.
If you're interested in understanding the Revit API and learning how to create add-ins you can visit they're website here.

Inaugural Post

When I decided to start blogging I wanted my blog to be about the current technology trends in the AECO industry and what lies ahead in the future. I consider myself a forward thinking individual and I have many thoughts as to where the industry is headed. I don't claim to know everything there is to know about BIM / VDC / FIM / BAM but I like to think I understand the process. I better, after all it is my job to make sure I know and understand what the trends are so I can better serve my firm. 

My goal for this blog is to explore current and future technology. We are a Revit house but we have a lot of other tools in our bag. I love the idea of sharing experiences weather they be good or bad. Putting that information out there allows everyone to benefit from it. I've certainly benefited from others successes and failures over the years so I want to pay it forward. If I learn something along the way, which I'm sure I will, then all the better.