Exciting Upgrades Coming in OCCT 7.8.0 Release

Dmitrii Pasukhin's picture
Dmitrii Pasukhin
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 12:12
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Mark your calendars for the fourth quarter of 2023, as we are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of OCCT 7.8.0! The OCCT development team has been hard at work, and this release promises a host of new features and enhancements that will undoubtedly elevate your experience with OCCT. Let's dive into the intriguing details of what's in store:

1. Revamped DataExchange Toolkit Structure

OCCT 7.8.0 introduces a groundbreaking change by reorganizing the DataExchange Toolkits (TKs). These TKs, which deal with various file formats for data exchange, have been elegantly separated and regrouped by their respective formats. Get ready to explore the new hierarchy:

  1. TKXDESTEP: Handling STEP file format.
  2. TKXDEOBJ: Handling OBJ file format.
  3. TKXDEIGES: Handling IGES file format.
  4. TKXDEGLTF: Handling GLTF file format.
  5. TKXDEVRML: Handling VRML file format.
  6. TKXDEPLY: Handling PLY file format.
  7. TKXDESTL: Handling STL file format.

2. Enhanced DRAW Toolkit for Data Exchange

The DRAW Toolkits within DataExchange have also undergone a significant transformation. Now, they are organized based on the specific formats they cater to. Say hello to these refined toolkits:

  1. TKXSDRAWSTEP: Container for DE command to work with STEP.
  2. TKXSDRAWOBJ: Container for DE command to work with OBJ.
  3. TKXSDRAWIGES: Container for DE command to work with IGES.
  4. TKXSDRAWGLTF: Container for DE command to work with GLTF.
  5. TKXSDRAWVRML: Container for DE command to work with VRML.
  6. TKXSDRAWPLY: Container for DE command to work with PLY.
  7. TKXSDRAWSTL: Container for DE command to work with STL.

3. Dynamic Loading of DataExchange Toolkits

We are introducing a cutting-edge feature – the DataExchange plug-in factory. This factory empowers OCCT to dynamically load the required DataExchange TKs in real-time, seamlessly registering formats into the DE_Wrapper.

4. Thread-safe STEP Export/Import Process

OCCT 7.8.0 takes a leap forward in data processing efficiency. The STEP export/import process has been meticulously engineered for thread safety, enabling parallel execution within a multi-threaded environment.

5. Streamlined CMake Configuration

Managing dependencies and linking parameters is now smoother than ever. The CMake configuration has been fine-tuned to generate linking parameters with associated paths, making your development process more straightforward.

6. Revitalized Memory Manager Workflow

The memory manager workflow has been reimagined, introducing a plethora of new options and functionalities. Expect an even more optimized memory management experience.

7. Modernizing NCollection Containers

OCCT is embracing modernity by updating its NCollection container to align with STL-like containers. This revamp comes hand-in-hand with a reworked workflow that harmonizes seamlessly with OCCT allocators.

8. Tailored Performance with CMake Settings

Empowering developers, OCCT 7.8.0 brings in new performance-oriented CMake settings, allowing you to configure the system to match your desired performance benchmarks.

9. Sunsetting GenProj Functionality

While OCCT has been a loyal supporter of GenProj functionality, OCCT 7.8.0 will mark its journey's end. We strongly recommend transitioning to CMake, which encompasses all that you need from OCCT's functionalities.

*10. Embracing "vcpkg" Package Manager

As a testament to our commitment to modern development practices, OCCT is integrating the "vcpkg" package manager as part of the CMake procedure, streamlining your workflow.

*11. Flexibility with Modules Decoupling

OCCT 7.8.0 enhances your development experience by allowing you to configure and build selected modules without unnecessary dependencies. Say goodbye to superfluous libraries when focusing on specific tasks, like visualization.

Preparing for the Transition

In our pursuit of a seamless transition to OCCT 7.8.0, we will provide a series of in-depth articles. These resources will guide you through the migration process, ensuring that you encounter no additional difficulties when adopting the new version. Furthermore, a release candidate will be available before the official launch, offering you the opportunity to explore, analyze, and test the improvements. Your valuable feedback can shape the final release.

Embracing Evolution, Preserving Functionality

It's important to note that all the upcoming changes are not meant to replace existing functionalities. Instead, they represent an evolution, an enhancement, or a valuable addition to the OCCT ecosystem. While some aspects may be temporarily marked as deprecated, the core functionalities will continue to thrive at the top level.

Join the Conversation

We are excited to embark on this journey with our vibrant OCCT community. Your suggestions and discussions are invaluable to us as we shape the future of OCCT. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and insights with us. We are here to engage, collaborate, and ensure OCCT 7.8.0 becomes everything you hope for.

Best regards, The OCCT Team