$29.99
Practical Exercises: A variety of exercises to reinforce learning, ranging from simple to complex, covering topics like:
Intermediate 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

Intermediate

Level

Time to Complete

20 hours 0 minute

Lessons

42 Lessons

Language

English

Rating

(

0 Review

)

Updated:

Feb 13, 2025

Intermediate AutoLISP

This course is aimed at the person with some LISP or AutoLISP experience. AutoLISP is one of the easiest languages to learn and is very powerful. All of my plugins for AutoCAD are written in AutoLISP and Visual LISP.

Although this course is based on programming AutoLISP for AutoCAD, other CAD applications, such as IntelliCAD-based CAD applications BricsCAD and ZWCAD, use AutoLISP programming. Therefore, you can write these applications for more than one CAD program. You do not need any prior experience to program in this language.

For those with more experience, you can move on to the “Advanced AutoLISP Programming” lessons. To learn how to create plugins for AutoCAD with a dialog interface, reference the course “How to Write Custom Dialog Box Programs” using AutoLISP and the DCL dialog control language.

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.  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

If you are using one of the IntelliCAD-based programs, you can use Notepad, Textpad, or Notepad++

Enrolled by

0 student

What You’ll Learn?

This course is and expansion of the Basic Programming Concepts which include more advanced versions of the following:
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

LIST Iteration

3 Lessons 0 Quiz

LIST Building Part II

4 Lessons 0 Quiz

Selection Sets Part II

6 Lessons 0 Quiz

File Access

7 Lessons 0 Quiz

String Handling Functions

5 Lessons 0 Quiz

Conversion Functions

8 Lessons 0 Quiz

Manipulating Lists

7 Lessons 0 Quiz

Drawing Assist

2 Lessons 0 Quiz

Meet Your Instructor

barry@softdraft.com
0.0
barry@softdraft.com

My name is Barry R. Bowen, and AutoLISP has played a pivotal role in my career transformation—from an employee to an independent developer. Today, I create and market my own AutoLISP and Visual LISP applications, serving thousands of users worldwide.

I encourage feedback on my posts. Let me know what you enjoy, what you find unclear, or what you would like to see more of. I aim to help you develop custom programs that tailor AutoCAD to your unique needs.

I started with AutoCAD in May 1983, beginning with Release 1.2. Although I had no programming experience, I was driven to learn how to customize AutoCAD to match my drawing style and automate tedious tasks. By 1985, while working for an architectural firm, I started programming in AutoLISP to streamline tasks that are now standard in AutoCAD.

In 1988, I began writing "The AutoLISP Tutorial" for CADalyst magazine and continued with AutoLISP programming articles for the next 15 years. I also taught AutoCAD and AutoLISP in continuing education programs at Memphis State University and the State Technical Institute in Memphis and contributed articles to Cadence and Technical Design Solutions magazines.

I am the Vice Chief Manager of SoftDraft, LLC, an AutoCAD Registered Application Developer since 1995. SoftDraft develops affordable, user-friendly 2D and 3D applications for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors, compatible with all AutoCAD® versions. You can explore our applications on the Autodesk App Store.

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

Intermediate

Time to Complete

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Lessons

42 Lessons

Language

English

Rating

(

0 Review

)

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