Skip to main content

Paracore REPL

The REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) is your interactive BIM laboratory for real-time Revit API exploration and prototyping.

1. Dual-Mode Architecture​

Paracore provide two distinct ways to interact with the engine:

  • Single-line REPL: Ideal for quick "fire and forget" commands. Use the Up/Down arrows to access your Command History.
  • Multi-line Workshop: A dedicated scratchpad for complex logic. Supports Load and Save for your .cs snippets without requiring any metadata blocks.
  • Shared State: Variables defined in the multi-line editor (e.g., var walls = GetElements<Wall>();) remain alive and accessible in the single-line REPL.

Both are found under the Console Tab within the execution history.

  • To Switch to Multi-line: Click the Expand button to the right of the single-line REPL input.
  • To Switch to Single-line: Click the Collapse button at the right end of the multi-line header.

2. REPL Syntax Rules​

To ensure successful execution, follow these specific syntax rules:

Semicolons​

  • Mandatory for Assignment: Always end variable declarations with a semicolon.
    • var rooms = GetElements<Room>();
  • Optional for Queries: Semicolons are optional for one-line queries or chains.
    • Selection.Count
    • GetElements<Wall>().Table()

Count (Property) vs Count() (Extension)​

  • .Count (Property): Use this for immediate element lists (e.g., Selection.Count, GetMagicNames().Count). In the REPL, properties provide instant numeric output.
  • .Count() (Method): Use this for dynamic LINQ queries that haven't been materialized yet (e.g., GetElements<Wall>().Where(w => ...).Count()).

3. Magic Discovery​

Use these helpers to find elements by name, category, or class without writing complex collectors.

// Single-Line REPL examples
var doors = GetElements("Doors");   // 1. All door instances
var types = GetElements<FamilySymbol>("Doors"); // 2. All door types
GetElement("Level 1").Select()      // 3. Chain with Select()
GetMagicNames().Count                // 4. Get the total number of magic names

4. Using the REPL​

Quick Queries (Single-Line)​

Use the footer input for rapid one-liners:

  • Selection[0].Peek() — Instant property palette replacement.
  • GetElements<Room>().Table() — Audit all rooms in a grid.
  • Selection.Count — Get the total number of selected elements.

Complex Logic (Multi-Line Workshop)​

Use the expanded editor for multi-step operations:

// Multi-Line Snippet (Workshop)
var limit = 7.InputUnit("m");
var highWalls = GetElements<Wall>().Where(w => w.GetNum("Unconnected Height") > limit);
highWalls.Table().Select().Zoom();

Next Step: Experiment with the Revit API in 10 - Step-by-Step Exercise.