How Do You Write a LISP Routine in AutoCAD?

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Writing a LISP Routine in AutoCAD

Autodesk AutoCAD is a powerful software used by professionals in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction. One of the key features that makes AutoCAD stand out is its ability to automate repetitive tasks using LISP routines. In this tutorial, we will explore how to write a LISP routine in AutoCAD and enhance our productivity.

What is LISP?

LISP stands for LISt Processing, and it is a programming language that was developed in the late 1950s. It has since become widely used in the world of computer programming due to its simplicity and flexibility. AutoCAD supports LISP as a scripting language, allowing users to create custom commands and automate various tasks within the software.

Creating a Basic LISP Routine

To create a LISP routine in AutoCAD, you need to open the Visual LISP Editor. You can do this by typing “VLIDE” in the command line or by selecting “Visual LISP Editor” from the “Tools” menu. Once inside the editor, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new file: To create a new file, go to “File” > “New”.
  2. Define your routine: Start by defining your routine using the “(defun)” function. This function is used to define new functions in Lisp. For example:
(defun c:myRoutine ()
  (princ "Hello, World!")
)

In this example, we have defined a simple routine called “myRoutine” that prints “Hello, World!” when executed.

Running Your LISP Routine

To run your newly created LISP routine, you have a few options:

  • Command line: You can run your routine directly from the command line by typing its name and pressing Enter. In our case, we would type “myRoutine” and press Enter.
  • Create a toolbar button: You can create a toolbar button to run your routine with just a click.

    To do this, go to “Tools” > “Customize” > “Toolbars” and create a new toolbar button that triggers your routine.

  • Create a keyboard shortcut: If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can assign one to your routine. Go to “Tools” > “Customize” > “Keyboard” and assign a key combination to your routine.

Choose the method that suits your workflow best and enjoy the convenience of running your LISP routine quickly and easily.

Taking Your LISP Routines Further

Now that you have created a basic LISP routine, you can explore further possibilities. AutoCAD provides a wide range of functions and variables that you can use in your routines to interact with drawings, entities, and more. The AutoLISP Developer’s Guide is an excellent resource for learning more about these possibilities.

By leveraging the power of LISP routines in AutoCAD, you can automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and customize the software according to your specific needs.

In Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to write a LISP routine in AutoCAD. We explored how to create a basic routine using the “(defun)” function and discussed different methods of running our routines. Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to programming, so keep experimenting with LISP routines and explore the vast possibilities they offer in AutoCAD.