If you have a manual process, try automating one part of it rather than trying to bite off the whole thing. As your code gets more complex you can learn the more sophisticated stuff (inheritance, collections, generics, etc). What does a program look like, what are the basic data types, loops, if-then-else statements, flow control, etc.

You don't need to learn all the fancy parts, just the beginning stuff. If you don't have a programming background, go through a tutorial that covers the basics for the language you choose. If you are serious about creating a robust, usable, future proof tool, stay away from VBA and go with C# (or VB.NET if you must). The API docs are full of examples, some better than others. With that, you should be able to know if it is at least possible to do what you want. There are some exceptions, but for the most part, everything in SW is available via the API. Tolerance-based machining helps achieve superior tolerance and surface finish requirements by reading MBD and PMI data and selecting the machining strategies to meet the specified tolerances.Typically, if it is something you can do manually in SW, it is something you can automate via the API.

Achieve consistent, high-quality manufacturing with knowledge-based machining and the TechDB, which captures and reuses your best practices for consistent results. Feature-based programming and automatic feature recognition also save programming time because CNC intelligence is built into the software to identify operations, tools, feeds/speed rates, and more. You no longer need to maintain separate CAD and CAM files because all your part data is stored in one file. Additional functionality - for 5-axis simultaneous milling, mill-turn, wire EDM, nesting, simulation, shop floor solutions, and more - are available in subsequent product levels of SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks.Reduce your programming time with fully-integrated CAD/CAM that eliminates the need to import and export CAD files into your CAM system. SOLIDWORKS CAM includes 2.5 and 3-axis milling capabilities. SOLIDWORKS CAM is powered by CAMWorks and is included in every seat of SOLIDWORKS version 2018 or later on subscription. CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS CAM provide a truly integrated, feature-based CADCAM solution for machine shops of all sizes.

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