Description
Some consider AutoLISP, like Latin, to be a "dead" language. Nothing could be further from the truth! AutoLISP is an API built into AutoCAD software that's highly accessible, easy to write, and easy to debug. It provides comprehensive access to the underlying AutoCAD engine, allowing you to create new commands that can automate many tasks and change the way you interact with the program on a daily basis. We will demonstrate how to write a series of small, useful programming examples that provide examples of solid coding techniques—combined with unique, purpose-driven functionality for production drafting and design—which you can build upon after the session into larger and more complex routines. Even with little programming experience, participants will gain a wealth of knowledge about how to use the AutoLISP API to automate daily tasks, and how to use AutoCAD and its associated applications to increase productivity.
Key Learnings
- Learn about basic AutoLISP 101, including variables, functions, loops, object selection and modification, and the AutoCAD Object Model.
- Learn how to create and load function libraries, pass parameters, demand-load your code, and effectively debug your programs.
- Learn how to create routines from functions, code complex operations in a few lines, and create scripts that iterate through drawings.