Integrating gRPC.NET with AutoCAD

<?xml encoding=”UTF-8″>By Madhukar Moogala

Microsoft deprecated WCF with the release of .NET 5 and recommends developers transition to more modern technologies. This can be a challenge for those with existing WCF applications who want to migrate to .NET 8.0.

Recently, I received a question about integrating gRPC.NET, a popular modern alternative to WCF, with AutoCAD 2025.

In response, I’ve created a small application that demonstrates how to interact with a gRPC server from an AutoCAD client.

This sample provides a starting point for developers interested in exploring this integration approach.

The provided code showcases a basic example using a GreeterService.

Let’s break it down:

• Client-Side (AutoCAD Plugin):
  • The TestGrpc method establishes a gRPC channel to a server running on localhost:8080.
  • It creates a GreeterClient object to interact with the gRPC service.
  • An asynchronous SayHelloAsync call is made, sending a HelloRequest message with the name “GreeterClient”.
  • The response (HelloReply) containing the server’s greeting is received and written to the active AutoCAD document.

• gRPC Service Definition (Protobuf):

  • Defines a Greeter service with a SayHello RPC method.
  • Clients send a HelloRequest message with their name.
  • The server responds with a HelloReply containing a greeting.

• Server-Side:

  • Exposes the GreeterService as a gRPC service.
  • The SayHello method receives a HelloRequest, extracts the name, and constructs a personalized greeting in the HelloReply message.

Running the Application

This code creates a combined gRPC and HTTP server. Clients can use gRPC to interact with the GreeterService, while a basic HTTP endpoint provides a simple test or informational message.

Source Code : https://github.com/MadhukarMoogala/GrpcToAcad/blob/main/README.md