# C# API Primer

The HOOPS Exchange C# API is a managed overlay to the C API, offering a streamlined interface for developers in the C# ecosystem. Built on bindings to the underlying C API binaries, it grants full access to HOOPS Exchange’s capabilities within a familiar C# environment.

The C# API delivers the same functionalities as the C API, enabling tasks such as CAD file import/export, geometry processing, and metadata extraction.

To get started, follow the steps in our Set Up Your Environment tutorial, which will guide you through configuring your project and running your first C# application. For examples, explore our collection of C# sample applications on the Sample Code page.

The following diagram provides a visual overview of the key components of the C# API:

Each component has a specific role in the API’s architecture:

Library Loader
  Simplifies the process of loading and unloading the C binaries and their associated functions.
Function and Struct Bindings
  Provides a 1:1 mapping to the C API, exposing structures, functions, and enumerations.
Utils
  Provides utility facilities to ease communication between C and C# components.
High-Level API
  A set of abstraction classes automating common HOOPS Exchange workflows, offering OOP and RAII features for streamlined development.

The rest of this section dives deeper into each component, ensuring you’re well-equipped to harness the full potential of the HOOPS Exchange C# API.

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