Industry Foundation Classes
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is an open, international standard (ISO 16739) for data exchange and interoperability in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It defines a data schema for representing building and construction information in a vendor-neutral format, enabling seamless sharing of digital models across different software applications. IFC facilitates BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows by providing a common language for describing building elements, properties, and relationships.
Developers should learn IFC when working on BIM software, AEC industry applications, or digital twin projects that require interoperability between tools like Revit, ArchiCAD, or Navisworks. It is essential for creating plugins, converters, or analysis tools that process building data, as it ensures compatibility and reduces vendor lock-in. Use cases include automating design validation, generating construction documentation, or integrating with facility management systems.