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Practical Exercises: A variety of exercises to reinforce learning, ranging from simple to complex, covering topics like:

Basic AutoLISP functions and commands

Entity selection and manipulation

Creating custom commands and tools

Automating repetitive tasks

Data extraction and analysis

Sample Code: Well-commented code examples to illustrate concepts and provide a starting point for learners.

Reference Materials: A list of recommended books, online resources, and AutoCAD documentation for further exploration.

Level

Beginner

Level

Time to Complete

20 hours 0 minute

Lessons

53 Lessons

Language

English

Rating

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0 Review

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Updated:

Feb 13, 2025

Beginning AutoLISP

This first section is tailored for those embarking on their AutoLISP programming journey. AutoLISP stands out as one of the easiest programming languages to learn, and its power is truly remarkable. All of my AutoCAD plugins were crafted in AutoLISP and Visual LISP, a testament to their user-friendly design and potential for greatness. You can rest assured that you’re stepping into a world that’s powerful, welcoming, and easy to navigate.

While these lessons are centered on programming AutoLISP for AutoCAD, it’s important to note that AutoLISP is not limited to a single CAD application. Other CAD applications like BricsCAD and ZWCAD also utilize AutoLISP programming. This means that the skills you’ll learn here can be applied to various CAD programs, giving you a versatile and adaptable skill set.

One of the best things about AutoLISP is that you don’t need any prior experience to start learning. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some programming knowledge, you can dive right in. And if you have some experience, you can always move on to the next section in this series, “Intermediate AutoLISP Programming.”

For those with more experience, the journey doesn’t end here. You can progress to the ‘Advanced AutoLISP Programming’ lessons, where you’ll delve deeper into the intricacies of AutoLISP. If you’re interested in creating plugins for AutoCAD with a dialog interface, we have dedicated lessons for that, too. These resources are here to support your growth and encourage you to push your boundaries.

If you have a copy of AutoCAD, you can use the AutoLISP User Interface, VLIDE, to help make coding, testing, debugging, and compiling output easier and more productive. VLIDE is a powerful tool that provides a user-friendly environment for writing and testing AutoLISP code. This book does not cover the usage of this interface, which you can find in the AutoLISP help section.

To start the VLIDE, type this at the AutoCAD Command prompt:
Command: VLISP
This will display the VLIDE window.

If you use one of the IntelliCAD-based programs, you can use the built in LISP user interface if they provide one. Or if not, then you can use Notepad, Textpad, or Notepad++

Enrolled by

0 student

What You’ll Learn?

Basic Programming Concepts

Variables: Declaring and assigning values to variables.

Data Types: Understanding different data types (numbers, strings, lists).

Operators: Using arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators.

Control Flow: Learning about conditional statements (if-else) and loops (while, repeat).

Functions: Defining, calling, and passing arguments to functions.

AutoLISP-Specific Concepts

AutoCAD Command Line Interface: Interacting with AutoCAD using AutoLISP.

Entity Selection: Selecting objects in the drawing using various selection methods.

Entity Data Extraction: Extracting information from selected entities (coordinates, properties, etc.).

Entity Creation and Modification: Creating and modifying various AutoCAD entities (lines, circles, text, etc.).

Input and Output: Prompting users for input and displaying output to the command line.

Error Handling: Implementing error checking and handling mechanisms.

Practical Applications

Automating Repetitive Tasks: Creating scripts to automate common tasks like block insertion, dimensioning, and layer management.

Customizing AutoCAD's Behavior: Developing custom commands and tools to extend AutoCAD's functionality.

Data Extraction and Analysis: Extracting data from drawings and performing calculations or analysis.

Creating Custom Dialog Boxes: Designing user-friendly interfaces for your LISP programs.

Additional Tips for Learning AutoLISP:

Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become.

Break Down Complex Problems: Divide complex tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks.

Debug Your Code: Use the debug function to step through your code and identify errors.

Learn from Others: Study existing LISP code and seek help from online forums and communities.

Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes.

By mastering these core concepts, you'll be well-equipped to write efficient and effective AutoLISP programs to automate your CAD workflows and increase your productivity.

Course Syllabus

AutoLISP Functions

2 Lessons0 Quiz

AutoLISP Concepts

00:00

Internal Functions

00:00

User Defined Functions

6 Lessons0 Quiz

(defun) Function