What’s New in 2025 R2: Ansys PySTK, a Python API for Ansys STK Software

As part of Ansys 2025 R2, the latest Python API for Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK) digital mission engineering software is here: PySTK.

As STK software has developed over the years, the need to advance application programming interfaces (APIs) has increased. This has led to the first truly Python-specific API to drive STK workflows.

Previously, the only way to use the “Object Model,” STK software’s object-oriented API, in Python was through C# or Java. The initial Python examples used the win32com library. Then as we progressed,  we expanded Python’s “Object Model” code to be up to par with the offerings for other programming languages. In that time, integration with commonly used Python libraries like tkinter, plotly, pandas, and gRPC was also added.

STK 2024 R2 brought Ansys to a crossroads. The Python Object Model interface was on the same level as other languages like C#, Java, and MATLAB, but it still followed C# naming conventions. The introduction of PySTK includes a native implementation of the Python interface that follows Python’s naming conventions and scripting best practices. 

While the existing Python API is still available, PySTK is the future of Python scripting with STK software. To get started using this new API, click here. You can access the API documentation here. For a direct link to the downloadable .whl (or “wheel”) file that contains the API, click here.

The new API documentation also includes examples of Jupyter notebooks with embedded STK graphics. This is another example of the benefits of using a Python-native API like PySTK, rather than one simply adapted for Python like the previous Python API.

In addition to the Jupyter examples and code snippets, you can access the migration guide in PySTK documentation here. This is where you can find information on the API Migration Assistant, which can help automatically translate your scripts using the old Python API into PySTK scripts.

This PySTK release is also part of the overall PyAnsys effort that involves creating consistent Python APIs for all of Ansys’ tooling. With the rising prevalence of Python as a primary engineering scripting language, PyAnsys intends to provide a consistent experience across all Ansys tools.

PyAnsys shines in the following areas:

• Workflow automation: PyAnsys enables users to automate repetitive or complex simulation tasks.
• Integration with the Python ecosystem: Users can leverage the Python ecosystem.
• Cross-product functionality: PyAnsys provides Python APIs for multiple Ansys services and products. By enabling users to interact with multiple products in a single environment, users can streamline their workflows.

In addition to PySTK, the PyAnsys effort has extended to many other Ansys solvers and enterprise tools. Learn more about PyAnsys and STK software today.

For more information, please visit this PyAnsys site.