CDB Interfaces

https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/*
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### Example Interface Data File Path

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/introduction/about_cdb/structure.html

This path indicates the location of example interface data files provided with the SOFiSTiK installation.

```text
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026\interfaces\examples\

```

--------------------------------

### Example Project Path

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/configure.html

Locates an existing Fortran project example for connecting to the CDB database.

```plaintext
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiSTIK 2026\interfaces\examples\fortran\connect_to_cdb
```

--------------------------------

### Example Project Path

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cpp/configure.html

Locates an example project for connecting to the CDB. This path may vary based on your SOFiSTiK installation.

```plaintext
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026\interfaces\examples\c++\connect_to_cdb
```

--------------------------------

### Connect to CDB Example

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vba/configure.html

This VBA code snippet demonstrates how to connect to CDB. Ensure the necessary DLLs are accessible.

```VBA
Declare Function AQU_GET_SECT Lib "cdb_w31.dll" Alias "VB_AQU_GET_SECT" _
               (ByVal KW As Long, ByVal nr As Long, ByVal XABS As Single, _
               ByVal LFC As Long, ByRef IERG As Long, ByRef SERG As Single)
```

--------------------------------

### C++ Example: Using sof_lib_ps2cs for Text Decoding

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cpp/examples/cpp_example5.html

This C++ code demonstrates loading the SOFiSTiK CDB interface DLL, obtaining function pointers, initializing a CDB connection, and using the sof_lib_ps2cs function to convert integer codes to text. Ensure the DLL path and database file path are correct for your installation.

```cpp
//+============================================================================+ 
//| Company:   SOFiSTiK AG                                                     | 
//| Version:   SOFiSTIK 2026                                                   | 
//+============================================================================+ 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 
// ABOUT: 
// In this example we will show how to use the sof_lib_ps2cs() function 
// sof_lib_ps2cs() converts integer values to string 

#include <iostream> 
#include <Windows.h> 
#include <string> 
#include <iomanip> 

// Include SOFiSTiK Libraries from : 
//  --> "... interfaces/examples/c++" 
#include "cdbase.h" 
#include "cdbtypeall.h" 
#include "cdbtypecon.h" 
#include "cdbtypegeo.h" 
#include "cdbtypelfc.h" 
#include "cdbtypemat.h" 
#include "cdbtypesct.h" 
#include "cdbtypesys.h" 
#include "cdbtypeten.h" 

using namespace std; 

typedef unsigned int pckcode; 
typedef void(*PS2CS)(pckcode*, char*, int); 

typedef int(*INITPRT)(char*, int); 
typedef int(*STATUSPRT)(int); 
typedef int(*CLOSEPRT)(int); 
typedef int(*GETPRT)(int, int, int, void*, int*, int); 

using namespace std; 

int main() 
{ 
    // Load the library 
    HINSTANCE hInst = LoadLibrary("C:\\Program Files\\SOFiSTiK\\2026\\SOFiSTiK 2026\\interfaces\\64bit\\sof_cdb_w-2026.dll"); 
    if (!hInst) 
    { 
       cout << "Coult not Load the Library" << endl; 
       system("pause"); 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    // Resolve the function adress 
    INITPRT sof_cdb_init = (INITPRT)GetProcAddress(hInst, "sof_cdb_init"); 
    if (!sof_cdb_init) 
    { 
       cout << "Could not locate the function!" << endl; 
       system("pause"); 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    STATUSPRT sof_cdb_status = (STATUSPRT)GetProcAddress(hInst, "sof_cdb_status"); 
    if (!sof_cdb_status) 
    { 
       cout << "Could not locate the function!" << endl; 
       system("pause"); 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    PS2CS sof_lib_ps2cs = (PS2CS)GetProcAddress(hInst, "sof_lib_ps2cs"); 
    if (!sof_lib_ps2cs) 
    { 
       cout << "Could not locate the function!" << endl; 
       system("pause"); 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    CLOSEPRT sof_cdb_close = (CLOSEPRT)GetProcAddress(hInst, "sof_cdb_close"); 
    if (!sof_cdb_close) 
    { 
       cout << "Could not locate the function!" << endl; 
       system("pause"); 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    GETPRT sof_cdb_get = (GETPRT)GetProcAddress(hInst, "sof_cdb_get"); 
    if (!sof_cdb_get) 
    { 
       cout << "Could not locate the function!" << endl; 
       return EXIT_FAILURE; 
    } 

    // Connect to CDB 
    /* 
    Index = 0      initialise CDBASE and open scratch data base only 
    Index > 0      open an existing data base with exactly tis index 
                       (STATUS=UNKNOWN) = somehow obsolete call, use 99! 
    Index = 99    test if NAME is a valid database and open the base 
                       if possible. Return with the assigned index. 
                       If the file does not exist, it will be created. 
    Index = 97    open the database via pvm 
                       Return with the assigned index. 
    Index = 96    open a scratch database, filename is the path to 
                       use or NULL. 
    Index = 95    open in read-only mode 
    Index = 94    create a new data base (STATUS=NEW) 
    */ 

    int index = 99; 
    char* fileName = "S:\\test\\155852\\155852.cdb"; 
    int ie = sof_cdb_init(fileName, index); 
    if (ie < 0) 
    { 
        cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error codes" << endl; 
        cout << "Press any <key> to close the program"; 
        system("pause"); 
        return(0); 
    } 
    else if(ie == 0) 
    { 
        cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " - The File is not a database" << endl; 
        cout << "Press any <key> to close the program"; 
        system("pause"); 
        return(0); 
    } 

    // Get Status 
    // int sof_cdb_status  (int ie); 
    cout << "The CDB Status: " << sof_cdb_status(ie) << endl; 

    int datalen = sizeof(tagCDB_LC_CTRL); 
    int *datalenptr; 
    datalenptr = &datalen; 
    tagCDB_LC_CTRL clc_ctrl; 

    char s[17*4+1]; // 17 array elements × 4 + include 0 
    int len = sizeof(s); 

    // &clc_ctrl pass the address of the struct to pointer 

```

--------------------------------

### Set Additional Include Directories

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/configure.html

Configures the project to search for header files within the specified Fortran examples directory.

```plaintext
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiSTIK 2026\interfaces\examples\fortran
```

--------------------------------

### CDBASE @KEY Usage Example

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/at_key.html

This example demonstrates selecting a specific section ('SECT_PLA') and filtering it by a third selection string ('SEL3') with a value of 101. It also shows how the 'ID' is handled by default and by the selection string.

```cdbase
@KEY SECT_PLA KWL 2 SEL3 101
LET#N @WPN
//ID (=6) is defined by default via SECT_PLA,
//but counts also all sections string (=sel1)


```

--------------------------------

### VB.NET Example to Read Node Properties

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vb_net/examples/vb_net_example2.html

This snippet demonstrates how to initialize a connection to a CDB file, read node data, and process it. It requires setting environment variables for the SOFiSTIK installation path. The data extracted includes node number, internal node number, fixity, bit codes, and X, Y, Z coordinates.

```vb.net
Imports System.Runtime.InteropServices

Module main
   'In this example, 64bit DLLs are used
   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_init Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_init" (
      ByVal name_ As String,
      ByVal InitType_ As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_status Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_status" (
      ByVal Index_ As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_close Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_close" (
      ByVal Index_ As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_get Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_get" (
      ByVal Index_ As Integer,
      ByVal kwh_ As Integer,
      ByVal kwl_ As Integer,
      ByRef data As CNODE,
      ByRef datalen_ As Integer,
      ByVal pos_ As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Sub Main()
      Dim Filename As String
      Dim Index As Integer
      Dim Path As String
      Dim analysisPath As String
      Dim datalen As Integer
      Dim data As New CNODE
      Dim analysisPath2 As String

      'Path of the SOFiSTIK Directory
      analysisPath = "C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk\interfaces\64bit"
      analysisPath2 = "C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk"

      'Set the environment variable
      Path = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("path")
      Path = analysisPath2 + ";" + analysisPath + ";" + Path
      Environment.SetEnvironmentVariable("path", Path)

      'Filename = full path with name of the cdb
      Filename = "S:\test\simple_span_girder.cdb"

      ' To connect to the CDB
      Index = sof_cdb_init(Filename, 99)
      If Index < 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index= " & Index & " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error codes")
            Console.ReadKey()
            Exit Sub
      ElseIf Index = 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index= " & Index & " - The File is not a database")
            Console.ReadKey()
            Exit Sub
      End If

      ' Redim the m_XYZ array
      ' This step is necessary because in VB.NET fixed array in structures are not supported

      ReDim data.m_XYZ(2)

      ' Get the data-length
      datalen = Marshal.SizeOf(data)

      ' Print the values
      Console.WriteLine(
            "{0,-15} {1,-15} {2,-15} {3,-15} {4,-15} {5,-15} {6,-15}",
            "m_NR", "m_INR", "m_KFIX", "m_NCOD", "m_X", "m_Y", "m_Z")
      Do While sof_cdb_get(Index, 20, 0, data, datalen, 1) < 2
            Console.WriteLine(
               "{0,-15} {1,-15} {2,-15} {3,-15} {4,-15} {5,-15} {6,-15}",
               data.m_NR,
               data.m_INR,
               data.m_KFIX,
               data.m_NCOD,
               data.m_XYZ(0),
               data.m_XYZ(1),
               data.m_XYZ(2))
            datalen = Marshal.SizeOf(data)
      Loop

      'This outputs the status of the CDB, please refer to cdbase.chm for more details
      Console.WriteLine("Index: " & Index)
      Console.WriteLine("CDB Status: " & sof_cdb_status(Index))

      'Close the CDB
      Call sof_cdb_close(0)

      'Check the CDB Status
      If sof_cdb_status(Index) = 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("CDB closed succesfully, status = 0")
      End If

      Console.Write("Press any <key> to close the program")
      Console.ReadKey()

   End Sub
End Module

```

--------------------------------

### VB.NET Example: Connect to CDB

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vb_net/examples/vb_net_example1.html

This snippet shows how to initialize a connection to the CDB, check its status, and close the connection. Ensure the necessary DLLs are in the system's PATH environment variable.

```vb.net
Imports System.Runtime.InteropServices

Module main
   'In this example, 64bit DLLs are used
   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_init Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_init" (
      ByVal name As String,
      ByVal InitType As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_status Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_status" (
      ByVal Index As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Public Declare Function sof_cdb_close Lib "sof_cdb_w-2026.dll" Alias "VB_sof_cdb_close" (
      ByVal Index As Integer
   ) As Integer

   Sub Main()
      Dim Filename As String
      Dim Index As Integer
      Dim Path As String
      Dim analysisPath As String
      Dim analysisPath2 As String

      'Path of the SOFiSTIK Directory
      analysisPath = "C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk\interfaces\64bit"
      analysisPath2 = "C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk"

      'Set the environment variable
      Path = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("path")
      Path = analysisPath2 + ";" + analysisPath + ";" + Path
      Environment.SetEnvironmentVariable("path", Path)

      'Filename = full path with name of the cdb
      Filename = "S:\test\test.cdb"

      ' To connect to the CDB we will use
      Index = sof_cdb_init(Filename, 99)
      If Index < 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index= " & Index & " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error codes")
            Console.ReadKey()
            Exit Sub
      ElseIf Index = 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index= " & Index & " - The File is not a database")
            Console.ReadKey()
            Exit Sub
      End If

      ' Output the index and status
      Console.WriteLine("Index: " & Index)
      'This outputs the status of the CDB, please refer to cdbase.chm for more details
      Console.WriteLine("CDB Status: " & sof_cdb_status(Index))

      ' Close the CDB
      Call sof_cdb_close(0)

      'Check if CDB closed succesfully
      If sof_cdb_status(Index) = 0 Then
            Console.WriteLine("CDB closed succesfully, status = 0")
      End If

      ' Press any key to close the program
      Console.Write("Press any <key> to close the program")
      Console.ReadKey()

   End Sub
End Module

```

--------------------------------

### C++ Example: Connect to CDB

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cpp/examples/cpp_example1.html

This snippet shows how to initialize a connection to the CDB using `sof_cdb_init`, check its status with `sof_cdb_status`, and close the connection with `sof_cdb_close`. Ensure the `fileName` path is correctly set and the appropriate DLLs are used.

```cpp
int main()
{
   // In this example debug 64bit dlls are used (Visual Studio Platform 64bit)

   // Connect to CDB
   // int sof_cdb_init  ( char* FileName, int Index);

   /*
   Index = 0     initialise CDBASE and open scratch data base only
   Index > 0     open an existing data base with exactly tis index
                        (STATUS=UNKNOWN) = somehow obsolete call, use 99!
   Index = 99    test if NAME is a valid database and open the base
                        if possible. Return with the assigned index.
                        If the file does not exist, it will be created.
   Index = 97    open the database via pvm
                        Return with the assigned index.
   Index = 96    open a scratch database, filename is the path to
                        use or NULL.
   Index = 95    open in read-only mode
   Index = 94    create a new data base (STATUS=NEW)
   */
   int index = 99;
   char* fileName = "S:\\test\\cdbPath.cdb";
   int ie = sof_cdb_init(fileName, index);
   if (ie < 0)
   {
      cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error codes" << endl;
      cout << "Press any <key> to close the program";
      system("pause");
      return(0);
   }
   else if(ie == 0)
   {
      cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " - The File is not a database" << endl;
      cout << "Press any <key> to close the program";
      system("pause");
      return(0);
   }

   // Get Status
   // int sof_cdb_status  (int ie);
   cout << "The CDB Status: " << sof_cdb_status(ie) << endl;

   // Close the CDB
   // int sof_cdb_close  (int ie);
   sof_cdb_close(0);
   cout << "The CDB Status after closing: " << sof_cdb_status(ie) << endl;

   system("pause");
   return 0;
}
```

--------------------------------

### Reinforcement Iteration Example

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example4.html

Illustrates the iterative calculation process for As1 reinforcement. It shows how to decrement the 'epss' value and increment the 'epsc' value in each iteration.

```csharp
// Iterate epss
epss = Convert.ToSingle(epss - 0.001);

// Iterate epsc
epsc = Convert.ToSingle(epsc + 0.1);

```

--------------------------------

### Check Python Platform Architecture

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/configure.html

Determines and prints the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of the current Python installation.

```python
# Check the python platform (32bit or 64bit)
print ("Python architecture=", platform.architecture())
sofPlatform = str(platform.architecture())

```

--------------------------------

### Setting Environment Path for SOFiSTiK DLLs in C#

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/configure.html

This example demonstrates how to set the system environment path to include SOFiSTiK DLL directories before calling DLL functions. This is crucial for the application to locate the necessary libraries.

```csharp
int index = 0;
int status = 0;
int datalen;

string directory1 = @"C:\sofistik_installation\2024\SOFiSTiK 2024\interfaces\64bit";
string directory2 = @"C:\sofistik_installation\2024\SOFiSTiK 2024";
string cdbPath = @"S:\test\simple_span_girder.cdb";

// Get the path
string path = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("path");

// Set the new path environment variable + SOFiSTiK dlls path
path = directory1 + ";" + directory2 + ";" + path;

// Set the path variable (to read the data from CDB)
System.Environment.SetEnvironmentVariable("path", path);

```

--------------------------------

### Load SOFiSTiK DLLs and Initialize CDB Connection

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/examples/python_example1.html

This snippet shows how to load the correct 32-bit or 64-bit SOFiSTiK DLLs using `ctypes` and `os.add_dll_directory`. It then initializes a connection to a specified CDB file and retrieves its status. Ensure the DLL paths are correct for your installation.

```python
from ctypes import cdll, c_int
import os

sofPlatform = "64Bit"

if sofPlatform.find("32Bit") < 0:
    # Set environment variable for the dll files
    print ("Hint: 64bit DLLs are used")

    # Set DLL dir path - new in PY 3.8 for ctypes
    # See: https://docs.python.org/3/whatsnew/3.8.html#ctypes
    os.add_dll_directory(r"C:\sofistik_installation\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026\interfaces\64bit")
    os.add_dll_directory(r"C:\sofistik_installation\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026")

    # Get the DLL functions
    myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll")
    py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_get
    py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

    py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex
else:
    # Set environment variable for the DLL files
    print ("Hint: 32bit DLLs are used")

    # Set DLL dir path - new in PY 3.8 for ctypes
    # See: https://docs.python.org/3/whatsnew/3.8.html#ctypes
    os.add_dll_directory(r"C:\sofistik_installation\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026\interfaces\32bit")
    os.add_dll_directory(r"C:\sofistik_installation\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026")

    # Get the DLL functions
    myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll")
    py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_get
    py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

    py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex

# Connect to CDB
Index = c_int()
cdbIndex = 99

# input the cdb path here
fileName = r"S:\test\test_file.cdb"

# important: Unicode call!
Index.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_init(fileName.encode('utf8'), cdbIndex)

# get the CDB status
cdbStat = c_int()
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)

# Print the Status of the CDB
print ("CDB Status:", cdbStat.value)

# Close the CDB, 0 - will close all the files
myDLL.sof_cdb_close(0)

# Print again the status of the CDB, if status = 0 -> CDB Closed successfully
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)
if cdbStat.value == 0:
    print ("CDB closed successfully, status = 0")

```

--------------------------------

### Load DLL Functions

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/configure.html

Loads the 'sof_cdb_w-2026.dll' and specifically the 'sof_cdb_get' function, setting its return type to c_int. This example uses the 64-bit DLL.

```python
# Get the DLL functions
myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll")
py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_get
py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

```

--------------------------------

### Check Python Platform

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/examples/python_example4.html

Determines and prints the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of the current Python installation. This is important for ensuring compatibility with the correct DLLs.

```python
# Check the python platform (32bit or 64bit)
print "The path variable=", os.environ["Path"]
print "Python architecture=", platform.architecture()
```

--------------------------------

### CDBASE @KEY Error Example 1

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/at_key.html

This error message indicates that the specified CDBASE structure does not support the @KEY command with the given parameters.

```cdbase
+++++ error no. 10143 in program SOF_VAR
CDBASE.CDB does not contain a suitable structure for @KEY STU5

```

--------------------------------

### Select Nodal Support Forces with #CDB_IER

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/hash_cdb_len.html

This example shows how to use #CDB_IER to manage record length checks when selecting nodal support forces. It initializes variables and loops, checking #CDB_IER to determine if data is within the read length before printing.

```CADiNP
LET#CDB_LEN 0
LET#CDB_IER 0
@KEY N_Disp 1
LOOP
   //CDB_IER=0 , because NR is within the read length
   LET#NR @NR
   IF #CDB_IER<2
      //CDB_IER=1 , because PY is outside the read length
      LET#PY @PY
      IF #CDB_IER<1
         TXA Node #(#NR,5.0) PY = #(#PY,7.3) kN
      ENDIF
   ENDIF
ENDLOOP #CDB_IER<2

```

--------------------------------

### Set Environment Variable and Run XLSM via Batch

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vba/configure.html

Use this batch script to set the SOFiSTiK installation path in the environment variables and then launch an Excel workbook. Ensure all Excel instances are closed before running.

```batch
set local
set path=C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026; \
%path%
start "" "C:\exampleFolder\exampleWorkbook.xlsm"
exit

```

--------------------------------

### Python Example: Reading Node Properties from CDB

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/examples/python_example2.html

This script connects to a CDB file, reads node data including node number, internal node number, degrees of freedom, additional bit code, and coordinates. It handles DLL loading for both 32-bit and 64-bit Python environments and prints the retrieved node information.

```python
# import all types from sofistik_daten.py, original file can be found by following
# --> examples/python/sofistik_daten.py
from sofistik_daten import *
import os                     # for the environment variable necessary
import platform               # checks the python platform
from ctypes import *          # read the functions from the cdb

# This example has been tested with Python 3.7 (64-bit)
print("The path variable=", os.environ["Path"])

# Check the python platform (32bit or 64bit)
print("Python architecture=", platform.architecture())
sofPlatform = str(platform.architecture())

# Get the DLL (32bit or 64bit DLL)
if sofPlatform.find("32Bit") < 0:
   # Set environment variable for the DLL files
   print("Hint: 64bit DLLs are used")
   path = os.environ["Path"]

   # 64bit DLLs
   dllPath = r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk\interfaces\64bit"
   dllPath += ";"

   # other necessary DLLs
   dllPath += r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk"
   os.environ["Path"] = dllPath + ";" + path

   # Get the DLL functions
   myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll")
   py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_get
   py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

   py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex
else:
   # Set environment variable for the dll files
   print("Hint: 32bit DLLs are used")
   path = os.environ["Path"]

   # 32bit DLLs
   dllPath = r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTIK trunk\interfaces\32bit"
   os.environ["Path"] = dllPath + ";" + path

   # Get the DLL functions
   myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll")
   py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_get
   py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

   py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex

# Connect to CDB
Index = c_int()
cdbIndex = 99

# Set the CDB Path
# e.g. fileName = "S:\test\read_nodes.cdb"
fileName = r"S:\test\read_nodes.cdb"

# important: Unicode call!
Index.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_init(fileName.encode('utf-8'), cdbIndex)

cdbStat = c_int()  # get the CDB status
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)

# Print the Status of the CDB
print("CDB Status:", cdbStat.value)

pos = c_int(0)
datalen = c_int(0)

a = c_int()
ie = c_int(0)
datalen.value = sizeof(CNODE)
RecLen = c_int(sizeof(cnode))

"""
do while ie == 0, see cdbase.chm, Returnvalue.
   = 0 -> No error
   = 1 -> Item is longer than Data
   = 2 -> End of file reached
   = 3 -> Key does not exist
"""
while ie.value < 2:
   ie.value = py_sof_cdb_get(Index, 20, 0, byref(cnode), byref(RecLen), 1)
   print("{:10d}{:10d}{:10d}{:10d}{:10.2f}{:10.2f}{:10.2f}".format(
      cnode.m_nr,      # node-number
      cnode.m_inr,     # internal node-number
      cnode.m_kfix,    # degree of freedoms
      cnode.m_ncod,    # additional bit code
      cnode.m_xyz[0],  # x coordinates
      cnode.m_xyz[1],  # y coordinates
      cnode.m_xyz[2])  # z coordinates
   )

   # Always read the length of record before sof_cdb_get is called
   RecLen = c_int(sizeof(cnode))

# Close the CDB, 0 - will close all the files
myDLL.sof_cdb_close(0)

# Print again the status of the CDB, if status = 0 -> CDB Closed successfully
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)
if cdbStat.value == 0:
   print("CDB closed successfully, status = 0")

```

--------------------------------

### Copying a Subset of an Array (from start index)

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/let_sto.html

Copies all elements of array A starting from index 3 to array B.

```SOFiSTIK
LET#B #A(3:)
```

--------------------------------

### Copying a Subset of an Array (with start and end index)

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/let_sto.html

Copies 3 elements from array A, starting at index 2 (elements at indices 2, 3, and 4), to array B.

```SOFiSTIK
LET#B #A(2:4)
```

--------------------------------

### Declare and Get Concrete Material Data Type in VBA

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vba/examples/vba_example4.html

Shows how to declare a variable for the concrete material data type (CMAT_CONC) and get its length. This is a prerequisite for reading concrete material properties from the CDB.

```VBA
'Declare variables (data types) for concrete
Dim data As CMAT_CONC

datalen = Len(data)
```

--------------------------------

### Fortran Program to Connect to CDB

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/examples/fortran_example1.html

This Fortran program demonstrates how to connect to a CDB file using the `cdinit` function. It checks the connection status and then closes the connection. Ensure the CDB path is correctly specified.

```fortran
program connect_to_CDB
implicit none

! Variables
integer :: nid, l, ie, index, istat
character(len=30)   :: filename
character(len=72)   :: text

index = 99
! input here the CDB name or the CDB path
filename = "S:\\test\\connect_to_cdb.cdb"

! Connect to CDB
! In this example 64bit debug DLL is used
call cdinit(filename, index)
if (nid > 0) then
    write(*,*) "  cdb_init of ", filename," succesfull ", nid
else
    write(*,*) "  cdb_init of ", filename," not succesfull ", nid
endif

! Check status
call cdstat(index, istat)
print *, "CDB status is: ", istat

! Lets close the CDB now
call cdclose(0)

! Check status again, if closed, status = 0
call cdstat(index, istat)
print *, "CDB status is: ", istat

! Press <ENTER> key to close the program
print *, "Press <ENTER> key to close the program"
read (*,*) 

end program connect_to_CDB

```

--------------------------------

### Fortran CDB Initialization

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/examples/fortran_example4.html

Connects to a specified CDB database file using `cdinit`. Checks for successful connection and reports the assigned database index.

```fortran
! Define the parameters for cdinti()
! nid = 99,     test if NAME is a valid database and open the base if possible.
!               Return with the assigned index.
!               If the file does not exist, it will be created.

nid=99
file = "simple_span_girder.cdb"   !name of the cdb or the full path

! Connect to the CDB
call cdinit(file,nid)
if (nid > 0) then
   write(*,*) "  cdb_init of ", file," successful ", nid
else
   write(*,*) "  cdb_init of ", file," not successful ", nid
endif


```

--------------------------------

### CDB Initialization

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example4.html

Shows how to initialize the CDB connection using sof_cdb_init(). The returned index is used for subsequent CDB operations.

```csharp
index = sof_cdb_init()

```

--------------------------------

### Expand SOFiSTiK Path in Environment Variable (VBA)

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/vba/configure.html

This function retrieves the SOFiSTiK 2026 installation path from the registry, appends the appropriate interface directory (32-bit or 64-bit), and then updates the system's PATH environment variable. It includes error handling for cases where the SOFiSTiK installation is not found or if setting the environment variable fails.

```VBA
Public Function expandPath()
Dim Path As String
Dim analysisPath As String

   'Get the environment path and add the SOFiSTiK directory to "Path" variable
   Path = Environ("Path")
   analysisPath = ReadRegStr(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, "SOFTWARE\SOFiSTiK\InstallLocation", "sofistik_2026", 64)
   #If VBA7 And Win64 Then
      If analysisPath <> "" Then analysisPath = analysisPath + "\interfaces\64bit"
   #Else
      If analysisPath <> "" Then analysisPath = analysisPath + "\interfaces\32bit"
   #End If

   If analysisPath = "" Then
      MsgBox "No installation for SOFiSTiK 2026 found."
      expandPath = False
      Exit Function
   End If

   'Add the SOFiSTiK dll path to Environment Variable
   Path = analysisPath + ";" + Path

   Dim lSuccess As Long

   lSuccess = SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", Path)
   'Check if successfully
   If lSuccess = 0 Then
      MsgBox "Der Aufruf der Funktion SetEnvironmentVariable ist fehlgeschlagen." & vbNewLine & _
               "Der von Err.LastDllError gelieferte Fehlercode ist " & CStr(Err.LastDllError), _
               vbCritical, _
```

--------------------------------

### Connect to CDB using C#

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example1.html

This snippet shows how to initialize a connection to the CDB database. Ensure the project is configured and use index 99 for sof_cdb_init. Error codes are detailed in clib1.h.

```csharp
// Connect to CDB, int sof_cdb_init  ( char* FileName, int Index);
// Always use index 99, for more details see cdbase.chm
index = sof_cdb_init("S:\\test\\test.cdb", 99);
if (index < 0)
{
    Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index = " + index + " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error code");
    return;
}
else if(index == 0)
{
    Console.WriteLine("ERROR: Index = " + index + " - The file is not a database");
    return;
}
status = sof_cdb_status(index);

Console.WriteLine("Index: " + index);
Console.WriteLine("Status: " + status);
sof_cdb_close(0);


```

--------------------------------

### Using TXB to Add Text to Output

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/txa_txb.html

Demonstrates the usage of the TXB command to append text to the output. It shows how to format numerical values with specified integer and decimal places, and how to append string literals.

```SOFiSTIK
+PROG TEMPLATE
HEAD
LET#A 2.35

TXB #(#A,0.3) ! 0 represents the number of integer places
              ! 3 represents the decimal places
              ! => output "2.350"

TXB #(#A,5.5) ! 0 represents the number of integer places
              ! 3 represents the decimal places
              ! => output "    2.35000"

LET#TXT "DUMMY TEXT"
TXB #TXT      ! => output "DUMMY TEXT"
END

```

--------------------------------

### Connecting to CDB in C#

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example4.html

Initializes a connection to a SOFiSTiK CDB (database) file using the `sof_cdb_init` function and checks the connection status. Ensure the PATH environment variable is correctly set before calling this function.

```csharp
// connect to CDB
index = sof_cdb_init(cdbPath, 99);

// check if sof_cdb_flush is working
status = Program.sof_cdb_status(index);

```

--------------------------------

### Define Working Directory

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/configure.html

Specifies the root directory for the SOFiSTiK 2026 installation, which is essential for the project to find necessary files.

```plaintext
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiSTIK 2026
```

--------------------------------

### Working Directory Configuration

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cpp/configure.html

Specifies the working directory for the project. Ensure this path correctly points to your SOFiSTiK 2026 installation.

```plaintext
C:\<sofistik_installation>\2026\SOFiSTiK 2026
```

--------------------------------

### Connect to CDB with Python

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/python/examples/python_example1.html

This script demonstrates connecting to a SOFiSTiK CDB file using Python. It handles loading the correct DLLs based on the Python architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and initializes the CDB connection. Ensure the `fileName` variable points to your desired CDB file.

```python
import os               # for the environment variable necessary, this is a great tool
import platform         # checks the python platform
import string
from ctypes import *    # read the functions from the cdb

# This example has been tested with Python 3.7 (64-bit)
print ("The path variable=", os.environ["Path"])

# Check the python platform (32bit or 64bit)
print ("Python architecture=", platform.architecture())
sofPlatform = str(platform.architecture())

# Get the DLLs (32bit or 64bit DLL)
if sofPlatform.find("32Bit") < 0:
    # Set environment variable for the dll files
   print ("Hint: 64bit DLLs are used")
   path = os.environ["Path"]

   # 64bit DLLs
   dllPath = r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTiK trunk\interfaces\64bit"
   dllPath += ";"

   # other necessary DLLs
   dllPath += r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTiK trunk"
   os.environ["Path"] = dllPath + ";" + path

   # Get the DLL functions
   myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll")
   py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_get
   py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

   py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("sof_cdb_w-2026.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex
else:
   # Set environment variable for the DLL files
   print ("Hint: 32bit DLLs are used")
   path = os.environ["Path"]

   # 32bit DLLs
   dllPath = r"C:\sofistik_installation\trunk\SOFiSTiK trunk\interfaces\32bit"
   os.environ["Path"] = dllPath + ";" + path

   # Get the DLL functions
   myDLL = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll")
   py_sof_cdb_get = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_get
   py_sof_cdb_get.restype = c_int

   py_sof_cdb_kenq = cdll.LoadLibrary("cdb_w31.dll").sof_cdb_kenq_ex

# Connect to CDB
Index = c_int()
cdbIndex = 99

# input the cdb path here
fileName = r"S:\test\test_file.cdb"

# important: Unicode call!
Index.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_init(fileName.encode('utf-8'), cdbIndex)

# get the CDB status
cdbStat = c_int()
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)

# Print the Status of the CDB
print ("CDB Status:", cdbStat.value)

# Close the CDB, 0 - will close all the files
myDLL.sof_cdb_close(0)

# Print again the status of the CDB, if status = 0 -> CDB Closed successfully
cdbStat.value = myDLL.sof_cdb_status(Index.value)
if cdbStat.value == 0:
    print ("CDB closed successfully, status = 0")

```

--------------------------------

### Modify CDB Path Example

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/fortran/examples/fortran_example1.html

This snippet shows how to modify the `filename` variable to specify the path to the CDB file. If the file does not exist, it will be created.

```fortran
filename = "connect_to_cdb.cdb"

```

--------------------------------

### CDBASE @KEY Error Example 2

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cadinp/template/at_key.html

This error occurs when the @KEY command is used without providing the required numerical value for KWL.

```cdbase
+++++ error no. 10144 in program SOF_VAR
This index @KEY requires an explicit definition of a number at KWL

```

--------------------------------

### Setting Up Environment Variables for SOFiSTiK DLLs

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example4.html

Configures the system's PATH environment variable to include the directories containing the SOFiSTiK 64-bit DLLs and the main SOFiSTiK directory. This is crucial for the program to locate and load the necessary libraries.

```csharp
int index = 0;
int status = 0;
int datalen;

string directory1 = @"C:\Program Files\SOFiSTIK\2024\SOFiSTIK 2024\interfaces\64bit";
string directory2 = @"C:\Program Files\SOFiSTIK\2024\SOFiSTIK 2024";
string cdbPath = @"S:\test\single_span_girder.cdb";

// Get the path
string path = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("path");

// Set the new path environment variable + SOFiSTiK dlls path
path = directory1 + ";" + directory2 + ";" + path;

// Set the path variable (to read the data from CDB)
System.Environment.SetEnvironmentVariable("path", path);

```

--------------------------------

### Connect to CDB Database

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/cpp/examples/cpp_example4.html

Initializes and connects to a SOFiSTiK CDB database file. The `sof_cdb_init` function is used with a specified file path and index to open or create the database. Error handling is included to report connection issues.

```cpp
// ******************************************************
// * Connect to CDB                                     *
// * int sof_cdb_init  ( char* FileName, int Index);    *
// ******************************************************

/*
Index = 0     initialise CDBASE and open scratch data base only
Index > 0     open an existing data base with exactly tis index
                  (STATUS=UNKNOWN) = somehow obsolete call, use 99!
Index = 99    test if NAME is a valid database and open the base
                  if possible. Return with the assigned index.
                  If the file does not exist, it will be created.
Index = 97    open the database via pvm
                  Return with the assigned index.
Index = 96    open a scratch database, filename is the path to
                  use or NULL.
Index = 95    open in read-only mode
Index = 94    create a new data base (STATUS=NEW)
*/
int index = 99;

// cdb path
char* fileName = "S:\\test\\simple_span_girder.cdb";
int ie = sof_cdb_init(fileName, index);
if (ie < 0)
{
   cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " < 0 - see clib1.h for meaning of error codes" << endl;
   cout << "Press any <key> to close the program";
   system("pause");
   return(0);
}
else if(ie == 0)
{
   cout << "ERROR: Index= " << ie << " - The File is not a database" << endl;
   cout << "Press any <key> to close the program";
   system("pause");
   return(0);
}
```

--------------------------------

### CDB Get Function Usage

Source: https://docs.sofistik.com/2026/en/cdb_interfaces/c_sharp/examples/c_sharp_example4.html

Demonstrates the usage of the sof_cdb_get function for reading data from the CDB. The condition '< 2' indicates reading until the end of the record.

```csharp
while (sof_cdb_get(index, 1, 1, &mat_conc, ref datalen, 1) < 2)

```
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