Published by CFS Documentation cell

Division of Centre for Electronics Design and Technology of India

A Scientific Society of Department of Electronics,
Govt. of India,
New Delhi.

First Edition: 1999

TRADE MARKS: All brand name and product names mentioned in this book are trade marks or registered trade mark of
their respective companies.

Every effort has been made to supply complete and accurate information. However, CEDTI assumes no responsibility for its
use, nor for any infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties which would result from such use.

No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any forms or by any means,
electronic, photocopy, photograph, magnetic or otherwise, without written permission of CEDTI.

CEDTI/CFS/99/4/5.3/R1
 FOREWORD

The Information Technology and Telecom sectors have suddenly opened up avenues, which require a very
large specially trained manpower. These sectors are highly dynamic and need training and re-training of manpower
at a rapid rate. The growing gap of requirement of the industry and its fulfilment has created a challenging situation
before manpower training institutes of the country. To meet this challenge most effectively, Centre for Electronics
Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) has launched its nation-wide franchising scheme.

Centre for Electronics Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) is an Autonomous Scientific Society under
the Govt. of India, Department of Electronics with its Headquarters at New Delhi. It operates seven centres located
at Aurangabad, Calicut, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Mohali, Jammu and Tezpur. The scheme will be implemented and
coordinated by these centres.

The scheme endeavours to promote high quality computer and information technology education in the
country at an affordable cost while ensuring uniform standards in order to build a national resource of trained
manpower. Low course fees will make this education available to people in relatively small, semi urban and rural
areas. State-of-the-art training will be provided keeping in view the existing and emerging needs of the industrial
and Govt. sectors. The examinations will be conducted by CEDTI and certificates will also be awarded by CEDTI.
The scheme will be operated through all the seven centres of CEDTI.

The CEDTI functions under the overall control and guidance of the Governing Council with Secretary,
Department of Electronics as its Chairman. The members of the council are drawn from scientific, government and
industrial sectors. The Centres have separate executive committees headed by Director General, CEDTI. The
members of these committees are from academic/professional institutes, state governments, industry and
department of electronics.

CEDTI is a quality conscious organisation and has taken steps to formally get recognition of the quality and
standards in various activities. CEDTI, Mohali was granted the prestigious ISO 9002 certificate in 1997. The other
centres have taken steps to obtain the certification as early as possible. This quality consciousness will assist
CEDTI in globalizing some of its activities. In keeping with its philosophy of ‘Quality in every Activity’, CEDTI will
endeavour to impart state of the art – computer and IT training through its franchising scheme.

The thrust of the Software Courses is to train the students at various levels to carry out the Management
Information System functions of a medium sized esTablishment, manufacture Software for domestic and export
use, make multimedia presentations for management and effectively produce various manufacturing and architectural
designs.

The thrust of the Hardware Courses at Technician and Telecommunication Equipment Maintenance Course
levels is to train the students to diagnose the faults and carry out repairs at card level in computers, instruments,
EPABX, Fax etc. and other office equipment. At Engineer and Network Engineer levels the thrust is to train them
as System Engineers to instal and supervise the Window NT, Netware and Unix Networking Systems and repair
Microcontrollers / Microprocessor based electronic applications.
 An Advisory Committee comprising eminent and expert personalities from the Information Technology field
have been constituted to advise CEDTI on introduction of new courses and revising the syllabus of existing
courses to meet the changing IT needs of the trade, industry and service sectors. The ultimate objective is to
provide industry-specific quality education in modular form to supplement the formal education.

The study material has been prepared by the CEDTI, document centre. It is based on the vast and rich
instructional experience of all the CEDTI centres. Any suggestions on the improvement of the study material will
be most welcome.

(R. S. Khandpur)
Director General (CEDTI)
1. INTRODUCTION TO DATA TYPES AND
CONVENTIONS OF AutoLISP

1.1 INTEGER

An Integer is a whole number that does not contain a decimal point. AutoLISP integers
are 32 bit signed numbers with values ranging from + 2,147,483 to - 2,147. AutoLISP
uses 32 bit internally; those transferred between AutoLISP and AutoCAD are restricted
to 16 bit values and hence the user can pass integer values ranging from - 32,768 to +
32,767 only.

e.g.: 23, 45, -32768

1.2 REAL

A real number is a number containing a decimal point (i.e., floating point numbers) and
can be either positive or negative. Real numbers are stored in double precision floating
point format, providing at least 14 significant digits of precision, even through the
AutoCAD command line areas shows only 6 significant digits.

e.g.: 34, 56, 123, -29.9,-3.0

1.3 STRING

A string is a group of characters enclosed within quoted strings. The backslash allows
control characters or escape code to be included within the string. Individual strings are
limited to 132 characters.

e.g. :“cadd”, “CADD”, “123”, “A123”, A123” “\nEnter first point”

1.4 LIST

A list is a group of related values separated by spaces and enclosed within parenthesis.
List provides an efficient method of storing numerous related values.

e.g.: (3 2 4) (a b c d), (1 “ONE”)

1.5 SYMBOL

A symbol is a character or a collection of alphanumeric and notation characters except

the following: (), ., `,” and;. A symbol name cannot consists of only numeric characters.


 e.g.: a, xyz, a1, p1

1.6 FILE DESCRIPTOR

File descriptors are alphanumeric labels assigned to files opened by AutoLISP. When an
AutoLISP function needs to write or read from a file the label of the must be referenced.
The following example opens the file text.dat for reading.

Command: (open “text.dat” “r”)

<File: #53478>

1.7 ENTITY NAMES

An entity name is a number assigned to objects in a drawing. It is actually a pointer to a

file maintained by AutoCAD from which AutoLISP can find the object’s database record
and its vectors. This label can be referenced by AutoLISP functions to allow a selection
of objects for processing in various ways. The following example uses the “entlast”,
function to get the name of the last object entered into the drawing.

Command: (entlast)
<File name: 60000016>

1.8 SELECTION SETS

Selection sets are groups of one or more objects. You can interactively add objects to or
more objects from selection sets, with AutoLISP routines.

1.9 SURBS AND EXTERNAL SUBRS

Most of the AutoLISP functions are built-in subroutines called SUBRS. The functions
defined by external ADS and ARX applications are called EXTERNAL SUBRS. The
names of Subrs and External subrs are not case sensitive.

For example the “princ” function is a Subrs. The “acad_strlsort” function is External
subrs.

1.10 CONSTANTS

When you explicitly use a data type in an AutoLISP expression that value is known in a
constant. There is a predefined constant pi evaluating to 3.14159 and a symbol T
evaluating to “TRUE”. Constants should not be used as symbols. For example in the
following expression the symbol “a” is set to a constant value “CADD”.


Command: (setq a “CADD”)

1.11 CONVENTIONS OF AUTOLISP

AutoLISP code is usually stored in ASCII text files with a “.LSP” or “.MNL’ extension.
Although AutoLISP code can be entered at the command line, testing and debugging are
considerably easier when you load the AutoLISP code from a file rather than re-enter it
each time when you make a refinement.

• AutoLISP follows the prefix notation . i.e., the function name should precede the
arguments. e.g. (+ 4 5)

• Symbol names can consist of any sequence of printable characters except the
following:- (), `, “, ; and \

• Expressions can span multiple lines. Each expression beings with a left parenthesis
and consist of a function name and an optional list of arguments, each of which can
itself be an expression. The expression ends with a right parenthesis. e.g. (+ 2 3).
The arguments in form of expression lead to nesting of functions.

e.g. ( + 2 3 ), ( + A B), (+ 2 3) 4)

• The following characters terminate a symbol name or a numeric constant (), `, “, ; ,

(space) and end of line)

• More than one blank space in an expression is considered as a single space.

e.g. ( + 2 3 ), ( + 2 3) 7)

• An AutoLISP expression or a function should start with a open or left parternership

i.e., “(“and end with a close or right parenthesis”)”.

• Symbol and function names are not case sensitive, i.e., you may use upper or lower
case characters.

• Numerals can be preceded by an optional “+” or “-” sign.

• Real numbers consist of one or more numeric digits, followed by a decimal point i.e.,
.4 is not recognized as a real; it should be entered as 0.4. Similarly 5. is not
recognized as real; it should be entered as 5.0. Integer values range between -
32,768 and +32,767.

• There should be a blank space between a function name and its arguments.


• Expressions nested within other expressions return their result to the surrounding
expressions. AutoLISP evaluates from the innermost expression and returns the
value to the surrounding expressions.

e.g. (+ (*3 2) (/ (+1.5 2.5))) returns 8.0

• Comments can be included in a program and they should begin with a semicolon “ ; ”

e.g. (+ 5 3 ) ; This is an Addition

• Variables can be evaluated at the “Command prompt” in autoCAD with a preceding

“!” symbol.

e.g. (seta 1 3)
Command: !a returns 3

2. ARITHMETIC AND TRIGONOMETRIC

FUNCTIONS

2.1 ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS

Thee are four functions under this group. The arguments for these function can be
numbers, variables, symbols and constants. If any one argument is real then the result
will be a real value. If all the arguments are integers then the result will be an integer.

Syntax : (+ <num1> <num2>...)

This function returns the sum of all numbers, which are real or integer. If all numbers are
integers then the result is an integer value. If any one number is a real number then the
result will be a real value.

e.g.

Command: (+ 5 3) returns 8

(+ 6.2 3) returns 9.2

(+ 8.75 -4) returns 4.75

(+ 5. 7 9) returns 21.0

Syntax: (- <num1> <num2>...)


This function returns the result after subtracting <num2> from <num1>. If more than two
numbers are given as arguments then the result will be the sum of second and the
remaining arguments subtracted from <num1>. If only one argument is present then the
result will be the value of <num1> subtraced from 0.

e.g.
Command: (- 5 4) returns 1

(- 5.5 2) returns 5.5

(- 8 6 4) returns -2

(- 10 -5) returns 15

(- 3) returns -3

Syntax: ( <num1> <num2>...)

This function returns the product of all operands. If only one <num> is given then this
function returns the result of multiplying it by one and supplying no arguments returns
the result zero.

e.g.

Command: (* 5 4) returns 20

(* 5.5 2) returns 11.0

(* 1 2 3) returns 6

Syntax: (/ <num1> <num2>...)

This function returns the quotient by dividing <num1> by <num>. If more than two
operands are given then <num1> will be divided by the product of others. If only one
<num> is given the function returns the result dividing it by one and supplying no
arguments returns zero.

e.g.

Command: (/ 5 4) returns 1

(/ 5 4.0) returns 1.25

(/ 12 2 3) returns 2

2.2 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS


There are three functions under this group. Using these basic. Trigonometric functions
you can evaluate any expressions involving Trigonometric calculations.

Sin

Syntax: (cos<angle>)

This function returns the sine value of the <angle> as a real value. The <angle.
argument must be expressed in RADIANS.

e.g.
Command: (sin 0) returns 1.0

(sin 2) returns 0.909297

Cos

Syntax: (cos <angle>)

This function returns the cosine value of <angle> as a real value. The <angle> argument
must be expressed in RADIANS.

e.g.
Command: (cos 0) returns 1.0

(cos 6) returns 0.96017

atan

Syntax: (atan <num1> [<num2>|)

This function returns the arctangent value of <num1> in RADIANS.

The result is tan inverse of <num1>. If both <num1> and <num2> are supplied then this
function returns the arctangent of <num1> divided by <num2> in RADIANS.

e.g.

Command: (atan 1.0) returns 0.785398

(atan 2.0 3.0) returns 0.588003


3. BASIC STRUCTURE FUNCTIONS

abs

Syntax: (abs <number>)

This function returns the absolute value of a <number>.

e.g.
Command: (abs -4) returns 4

(abs 25) returns 25

(abs -3.425) returns 3.425

sqrt

Syntax: (sqrt <number>)

This function returns the square root of <number> as a real number.

e.g.
Command: (sqrt 16) returns 4.0

(sqrt 2025.0) returns 45.0

log

Syntax: (log <number>)

This function returns the natural logarithm of <number> to base e as a real. The
<number> should be positive.

e.g.
Command: (log 1) returns 0.0


 (log 2.71828) returns 0.999999
exp

Syntax: (exp <number>)

This function returns the value of the e raised to the specified number (the antilogarithm
of <number>).

e.g.
Command: (exp 0) returns 1.0

(exp 1) returns 2.71828

expt

Syntax: (expt <base> <power>)

This function returns the value of <base> raised to the specified <power>. The
arguments may be integer to real.

e.g.
Command: (expt 2 2 ) returns 4

(expt 2.0.3) returns 8.0

(expt (* 4 5) (/4 2 ) ) returns 400

max

Syntax: (max <num1> <num2>....)

e.g.
Command: (expt 4 5 3) returns 5

(expt 2. 0.1 1.2) returns 2.0

min

Syntax: (min <num1> <num2>.....)

This function returns the minimum numeric value in the given set of arguments. The
arguments may be signed real or integers.

e.g.

Command: (min 3 2 1) returns 1


 (min -2 1.2 -0.5) returns -2.0

5. LIST HANDLING FUNCTIONS

List provide an efficient method of storing numerous related values.

car

Syntax: (car <list>)

This function returns the element of the <list>. If the list is empty then the function
returns nil.

e.g.
Command: (setq L1 (list 2 “A” 32 “B”)) returns (2 “A” 32 “B”)

(car L1) returns 2

(setq L2 (list (list 2 3) (list 4 4) ) ) returns ( (2 3) (4 4) )

(car L2) returns (2 3)

cdr

Syntax : (car <list>)

This function returns a list which contains all the elements of <list>, except the element
of the list.


 e.g.
Command: (setq L (list 1 2 3 4) ) returns (1 2 3 4)

(cdr L) returns (2 3 4) )

(setq m (list (list 2 3 4) (list 2 3 4 ) returns ( (2 3) (4 4) )

(list 5 6) ) ) returns (1 2 3) (5 6)

(cdr m) returns ( (2 3 4) (5 6) )

The car and cdr functions can be concatenated up to FOUR levels. A few concentrations
are as shown below:-

cadr caddr cadddr caar caaar caaaar cadar and so on

e.g.
Command: (setq L (list 1 2 3 ) ) returns (1 2 3)

(cadr L) returns 2

(caddr L) returns 3

Explanation:

(cadr L) returns (2 3)

(caddr is (car (cdr L) hence returns 2

(caddr L) is (cdr (cdr L) which returns (3)

length

Syntax : (length <list>)

This function returns the number of elements in the <list> as an integer.

e.g.
Command: (setq L (list 1 2 “A” ) ) returns (1 2 “A”)

(length L) returns 3

(setq m (list 1 (list 2 3) ) returns (1 (2 3) )

(length m) returns 2


last

Syntax: (last <list>)

This function returns the last element of <list>. The <list> must not be nil.

e.g.
Command: (setq L (list 1 2 “A” ) ) returns (1 2 “A”)

(last L) returns “A”

nth

Syntax: (nth <index> <list>)

This function returns the indexed element of the <list>. The element of the <list> will
always have an index 0. The second element has an index 1, the third element has an
index 2 ans so on.

e.g.

Command: (setq L (list 1 2 “C” “A” ) ) returns (1 2 “C” “A”)

(nth 0 L) returns 1

(nth 1 L) returns 2

(nth 2 L) returns “C”

(nth 6 L) returns nil

reverse

Syntax: (reverse <list>

It returns the <list> by rearranging the elements in reverse order.

e.g.

Command: (setq L (list 1 2 3 4 ) ) returns (1 2 3 4)

(reverse L) returns (4 3 2 1)

(setq m <list 1 (list 2 3) “A”) ) returns 1 (2 3) “A”

(reverse m) returns (“A” (2 3) 1)

member


Syntax: (member <item> <list>

This scans through the <list> for the occurrence of the <item> and returns the remaining
portion of the list starting from the first occurrence of the <item>. The function returns
NIL, if the <item> is not found in the <list>.

e.g.

Command: (setq L (list 1 2 3 “A” “B” ) ) returns (1 2 3 “A” “B”)

(reverse L) returns (4 3 2 1)

(setq m <list 1 (list 2 3) “A”) ) returns 1 (2 3) “A”

(reverse m) returns (“A” (2 3) 1)

member

Syntax: (member <item> <list>

This scans through the <list> for the occurrence of the <item> and returns the remaining
portion of the list starting from the first occurrence of the <item>. The function returns
NIL, if the <item> is not found in the <list>.

e.g.

Command: (setq L (list 1 2 3 “A” “B” ) ) returns (1 2 3 “A”

“B”)

(member 3 L) returns (3 “A” “B”)

(member 5 L) returns nil

(setq m (list (list 2 3) (list 6 7) 8) ) returns (2 3) (6 7) 8)

(member (list 6 7) m) returns ( ( 6 7 8)

append

Syntax: (append <list1> <list2>....<listn>)

This function combines all the given arguments and forms a single list in the given order.

e.g.

Command: (setq L `(1 2) L2 `(3 4) )

(append L1 L2) returns (1 2 3 4)

(append L1 L2) returns ((1) (2) (3))


subst

Syntax: (subst <newitem> <old item> <list>

This function substitutes a <newitem> in the place of the <olditem> in the list and returns
the modified list. If the <olditem> does not exist in the given list then the original list is
returned.

e.g.

Command: (setq L `(1 2) (3 4) 1)) returns (1 2 (3 4) 1)

(subst `0 `1 a) returns (0 1 2 (3 4) 0)

(subst `3’ `(3 4) a) returns (1 2 3 1)

acad_strlsort

Syntax: (acad_strlsort <list>)

This function sorts a <list> of string by alphabetical order. This will be useful when the
user presents a list containing Layers, Blocks or File names in a scrolling list box or
popup list within a dialog box.

e.g.

Command:(acad_strlsort `(Sunday” “Monday” “Tuesday” “Wednesday”

“Thursday” “Friday” “Saturday”

will return

(“Fdiday” “ Monday” “ Satuday” “Sunday” “Thursday” “Tuesday”

“Wednesday”)


6. PROGRAM CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Syntax: (= <atom1> <atom2> [<atom3>...) )

This function checks for equality and returns T if all <atom>s are numerically equal and
NIL otherwise. The arguments can be either a number or a string.

e.g.

Command: (= 4 4.0) return T

(= “cadd” “cadd” return T

(= “CADD” “cadd”) returns nil

(= 45 44.999) returns nil

/=

Syntax: (/= <atom1> atom2> [<atom3>...])

This function checks for inequality and returns T if all the specified <atom>s are not
numerically equal and NIL otherwise.

e.g.

Command: (/ = 100 108) returns T

(/ = “Cadd” “Cadd”) returns nil

(/= “a” “b” “c”) returns T

<

Syntax: (< <atom1> <atom2> [atom3>....])

This function checks and returns T if <atom1> is less than <atom2> and NIL otherwise. If
more than two <atom>s are given then T is returned, if each <atom> is LESS THAN the
<atom> to its right and nil otherwise.

e.g.

Command: (<50 45) returns nil

(<“a” “b”) returns T

(<2 3 8 8) returns nil

(< 3 4 5 5) returns nil


<=
Syntax: (<=atom1> <atom2> [<atom3>...])

This checks and returns T if <atom1> is less than or equal to <atom2> and nil otherwise.
If more than two <atom>s are given then T is returned, if each <atom> is LESS THAN or
EQUAL TO the <atom> to its right.

e.g. (< = 11 12) returns T

(< = “Cadd” “cadd”) returns T

(< = 2 3 4 4) returns T

(< = 88 66 33) returns nil

>

Syntax: (>= <atom1> <atom2> [<atom3>...])

This checks and returns T if <atom1> is greater than or equal to <atom2> and nill
otherwise. If more than two <atom>s are given then T is returned, if each <atom> is
GREATER THAN or EQUAL TO the <atom> to its right.

e.g. (> 50 40) returns T

(> “Caadd” “cadd”) returns nil

>=

Syntax: (>= <atom1> <atom2> [<atom3>...])

This checks and returns T if <atom1> is greater than or equal to <atom2> and nil
otherwise. If more than two <atom>s are given then T is returned, if each <atom> is
GREATER THAN or EQUAL TO the <atom> to its right.

e.g. (> = 50 40) returns T

(> = 5 4 3 2) returns T

(> = 45 3 2) returns nil

(> = “b” “c”) returns nil

eq

Syntax: (eg <expr1> <expr2>)


This function returns, T if the two expressions given are identical. Otherwise it returns
NIL. This function determines whether <expr1> and <expr2> are bound to the same
object.

e.g.

Command: (setq a `(1 2 3) b `(1 2 3) c b)

(eq a c) returns nil

This returns nil because a and c are not the same lists.

(eq b c) returns nil

This returns T if a and b are exactly the same.

equal

Syntax: (equal <expr1> <expr2> [<fuzz>])

This function returns T, if the two expressions evaluate to the same value. This is not the
same as eq function. the optional parameter <fuzz> denotes the maximum amount by
which the <expr1> and <expr2> can differ and still be considered equal.

e.g.

Command: (setq a(*3 2) b (*6 1) )

(equal a b) returns T

(equal `a `b) returns nil

e.g.

Command: (setq a 5.34679105)

(setq b 5.34678106)

(equal a b 0.00000001) return T

minusp

Syntax: (minusp <item>)

This function returns, T if the specified <item> is negative and otherwise it returns NIL.

e.g.

Command: (minusp -1) returns T


 (minusp -3,4) returns T

(minusp 4) returns nil

boundp

Syntax: (boundp <item>)

This function returns T, if the specified <item> is bound to a symbol and returns NIL if no
value is bound to the <item>. If the <item> is an undefined symbol then it is
automatically created and is bound to NIL.

e.g.

Command: (setq a 1 b bil)

(boundp `a) returns T

(boundp `b) returns nil

zerop

Syntax: (zerop <item>)

This function returns T, if the specified <item> is real or integer and evaluated to zero.
Otherwise it returns NIL.

e.g.

Command: (setq a 0 b 1)

(zerop a) returns T

(zerop b) returns nil

(zero 0.1) returns nil

listp

Syntax: (listp <item>)

This function returns T, if the specified <item> is a list. Otherwise it returns NIL.

e.g.

Command: (setq a `( (2 3) 4 5) )


 (listp a) returns T

(listp (cadr a) ) returns T

(listp `a) retuns nil

type

Syntax: (type <item>)

This function checks the data type of the specified <item>. The allowed data types are:

TYPE DESCRIPTION

REAL Floating-point numbers

FILE File descriptors

STR Strings

INT Integers

SYM Symbols

LIST Lists

SUBR Internal functions

PICKSET Selection sets

ENAME Entity names

PAGETB Function paging table

e.g.

Command: (setq a 1 b 4.5 d `(1 2 3) )

(type a) returns INT

(type b) returns REAL

(type d) returns LIST

(type - ) returns SUBR

(type c) returns nil

6.1 LOGICAL OPERATORS

Syntax: (and <expr1> <expr2>....)


This function returns T if all the <expr>s evaluate to a non nil value. It returns NIL, if any
one of the given <expr>s evaluate to NIL and ceases further evaluation. You can also
supply variable names as <expr>s.

e.g.

Command: (setq a 5 b 10 c nil)

(and (> a 2) (< b 25 ) 0 returns T

(and (= a 5) (= c 05) ) returns nil

(and a b) returns T

(and a b c) returns nil

or

Syntax: (for <expr1> <expr2>...)

The function returns the value T, if any one or all the <expr>s in the argument list
evaluate to a non nil value. If all the <expr>s evaluate to nil then the function returns NIL.
Variable names can also be supplied as arguments.

e.g.

Command: (setq x 10 y 20 z 30 a nil b nl)

(or (= x 10) (= y 2) ) returns T

(or (= x 10) (= y 20) ) returns T

(or (= x 11) (= y 21) ) returns nil

(or x ( (= y 20) ) returns T

(or x y) returns T

(or a b) returns nil


7. STRING HANDLING FUNCTIONS

String is a group of characters enclosed within quotation marks. A single string value is
limited to 132 characters. Strings of unlimited length can be created by joining the strings
together and control characters can also be included within quoted strings. Applications
can also compare a string to a wild-card pattern and this facility is widely used when you
are building a selection set and retrieving the entirely data by application name.

strcase

Syntax: (strcase <string> [<which>])

This function converts the alphabetic characters of the <string> to upper or lower case,
depending on the optional argument <which>. When <which> is not specified or
evaluated to NIL, the <string> is converted to upper case. Otherwise it is converted to
lower case characters.

e.g.

Command: (strcase “Hello”) returns “HELLO”

(strcase “HELLo” 1) returns “hello”

strcat

Syntax: (strcat <string1> string2>...)

This function combines multiple strings into a single string vlaue Blank and null strings
can also be combined.

e.g.

Command: (strcat “cadd” “centre”) returns “cadcentre”

(strcat “cadd” “ “ “centre” returns “cadd centre”

strlen

Syntax: (strlen <string>)

This function returns the number of characters in the specified <string>. Blank spaces
are also considered as valid characters.

e.g.

Command: (strlen “AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop”) returns 26


 (strlen “cadd”) returns 5

(strlen “ “) returns 1

substr

Syntax: (substr <string> <strt> [<length>])

This function returns the substring of a <string>. The <star> argument specifies the first
character of the string to be included the substring. The number of characters to be
included in the substring is specified by <length>. If <length> is not specified then the
function returns all characters including the following the specified <star> character.

e.g.

Command: (substr “strength” 3 4) returns “reng”

(substr “strength” 3) returns “rength”

(substr “cadd centre” 3) returns “dd centre”

(substr “cadd centre” 3 4) returns “dd c”

(substr “cadd centre” 1) returns “cadd centre”

(substr “cadd centre” 10) returns “re”

wcmatch

Syntax: (wcmatch <string> <match>)

This function enables the application to compare a <string> to a wild-card pattern. If the
string matches with the pattern then this function returns T else NIL. The wild-card
patterns are similar to the regular expressions used by many application programs. The
<string> and the <match> can be either a quoted string or a variable. This function
compares the first 500 characters of the <string> and <match> specified.

The <match> can contain the wild-card matching characters shown in the following
table:

CHAR DEFINITION

# Matches any single numeric digit.

@ Matches any alphabetic character.


. Matches any single non alphanumeric character

* Matches any character sequence including an empty string and

can be used anywhere in the search pattern.

? Matches any single character.

~ Matches any thing other than the next character.

[..] Matches any one of the characters inside.

[~..] Matches any one character except those enclosed.

- Used in [ ] to specify a range of characters.

, Separates any two patterns.

` Escapes special characters.

The following example tests the string with the patterns.

e.g.

Command: (wcmatch “Name” “N*”) returnsT

(wcmatch “Name” ???,~*m*,N*”) returns T

(wcmatch “Name” “*”, *”) returns NIL

read

Syntax: (read< string>)

This function returns the first atom or list in the specified <string>. The <string> cannot
contain blank spaces except within list or string.

e.g.

Command: (read “end”) returns end

(read “end of”) returns end

In the above case from the string “end of” only end is returned as, a blank space is
encountered after the first word.


8. CONVERSION FUNCTIONS

The functions convert data types and units. AutoLISP also provides functions to handle
decimal ASCII codes.

atof

Syntax: (atof <item>)

This function returns the conversion of a string to a real value.

e.g.

Command: (atof “3.4”) returns 3.4

(atof “5’ returns 5.0

atoi

Syntax: (atoi <item>)

This function returns the conversion of a string to an integer.

e.g.

Command: (atoi “34”) returns 34

(atoi “5.0”) returns 5

itoa

Syntax: (itoa <item>)

This function returns the integer <item> given as arguemnt into a string.

e.g.

Command: (itoa 34) returns “34”

rtos

Syntax: (rtos <number>[mode>] [precision>])

This function converts the specified <number> to a string according to the settings of
<mode> and <precision>. The <mode> and <precision> arguments must be integers.

The following are the <mode> argument values:


MODE EDITING FORMAT

1. Scientific
2. Decimal
3. Engineering (feet and decimal inches)
4. Architectural (feet and fractional inches)
5. Fractional

The <precision> denotes the number of decimal places. When <mode> and <precision>
are not specified, the current strings of the AutoCAD system variables LUNITS and
LUPRECA are used.

e.g.

Command: (rtos 3.4) returns “3.4000”

(rtos 5 2 2) returns “5.00”

(rtos 3.5 4) returns “3 1/2”

(rtos 2.5 1 2) returns “2.50 E+00”

ascii

Syntax: (ascii <string>)

This function returns the ascii code of the first character of the <string>.

e.g.

Command: (ascii “A”) returns 65

(ascii “CADD” returns 67 (ASCII coee of “C”

angtos

Syntax: (angtos <angle> [<mode>[ ]<precision>])

This function is used to convert the specified <angle> to a string depending on the
settings of <mode> and <precision>. The arguments <mode> and <precision> must be
integer values. The following are the <mode> argument values:

MODE EDITING FORMAT

0 Degrees
1 Degrees/minutes/seconds
2 Grads


3 Radians
4 Surveyor’s units

The <precision> denotes the number of decimal places. When <mode> and <precision>
are not specified, the current settings of the AutoCAD system variables AUNITS and
AUPREC are used.

e.g.

Command: (setq a (angle (` 2 4 ) ` (2 2) ) )

(angtos a 0 0) returns “270”

(angtos a 1 0) returns “270d”

(angtos a 0 4) returns “270.0000”

(angtos a 3 3) returns “4.712r”

chr

Syntax: (chr <integer>)

This function returns the ASCII characters corresponding to the integer given as
argument. The value returned is a string.

e.g.

Command: (chr 65) returns “A”

(chr 97) returns “a”

rem

Syntax: (ren <num1><num2...)

This function divides <num1> by <num2>. If there are more than two arguments then the
remainder of FIRST and SECOND is divided by the THIRD and the value will be
returned.

e.g.

Command: (rem 5 4) returns 1

(rem 5 4.0) returns 1.0

(rem 20 7 4) returns 2

i.e., (rem 20 7 4) is (rem 20 7 4)


fix

Syntax: (fix <number>)

This function returns the truncated value of the <number> as an integer after discarding
the decimals. The arguments may be signed real or integer values.

e.g.

Command: (fix 8) returns 8

(fix 1.32) returns 1

(fix 2.895) returns 2

(fix -5.85) returns 5

float

Syntax: (float <number>)

This function returns the conversion of the <number> into a real. the <number> may be
signed real or integer value.

e.g.

Command: (float 2) returns 2.0

(float 8.959) returns 8.959

(float -5) returns 5.0

1+

Syntax: (1+ <number>)

This function returns the <number> increased by 1. The <number> may be a real or an
integer value.

e.g.

Command: (1+ 5) returns 6

(1+ 6.75) returns 7.75


1-

Syntax: (1+ <number>)

This function returns the <number> increased by 1. The <number> may be a real or an
integer value.

e.g.

Command: (1- 5) returns 4

(1- 6.75) returns 5.75

quote

Syntax: (quote <expr>)

1+

Syntax: (1+ <number>)

This function returns the <expr> as a symbol without evaluating it. The function can also
be represented by a “ ‘ “

e.g.

Command: (quote A) returns A

`(1 2) returns (1 2)

Adding Commands

If a function is defined with a name in the form C:XXX, it can be issued at the Command
prompt just like a built-in AutoCAD command. You can use this feature to add new
commands to AutoCAD or to redefine existing commands. To use the functions as
AutoCAD commands the function name must use the form C:XXX when XXX is the
function name which must be defined without arguments.

A function defined with C:XXX can also be invoked transparently preceded by a single
quote (`) from which any prompt of built-in AutoCAD command provided the function
does not call the command function.

for e.g.

Uisng the C:XXX feature you can define a command which displays a simple message.
Command: (defun C:Hello( ) prompt“Hello World”) (princ) )

returns


C: Hello

Hello is now defined as a command. To execute the command Hello, specify the
command name at the command prompt area as follows:

Command: Hello

When executed AtuoCAD displays the following message at the command prompt area.

Hello World

This command can be issued transparently because it does not call command function.

Command: LINE
From point: Hello
Hello World
From point:

e.g. 2

Command : (defun box (sp L w / ap1 sp2 sp3)

(setp sp1 (list (+ (car sp) L) (cadr sp) )

sp2 (list (car sp1) (+ (cadr sp1 w) )

sp3 (list (car sp) (cadr sp2) ) )

(command “pline: sp sp1 sp2 sp3 “c”)

In the above function the “sp, L,w” are arguments and “sp1, sp2, sp3” are local variables
for the function. These variables lose their values after the function is executed.

Local Symbols in Functions

AutoLISP allows you to define a list of symbols that are variable only to that function and
these are known as local symbols. The use of local symbols ensures that the variables
in your functions are unaffected by the surrounding application and that your variables
are not available after the function has completed the task.

The following example shows the use of local symbols in an user-defined function:

Command: (Defun sample (/ a b)

(Setq a “CADD” b “CENTRE”)

(Princ (strcat “\n a has the value:” a))

(Princ (strcat “\n b has the value: “b”))


 (princ)

Before you test this new function assign variables “a” and “b” to values other than
those used in the SAMPLE function.

Command: (Setq a 1 b 2)

You can verify that the variables “a” and “b” are actually set to those values by using the
exclamation point( ! ).

Command: !a

Command: !b

List

Syntax: (list <exp1> expr2>...)

The list function combines a number of expressions into a list. This returns the
<expr>‘s as independent elements within parentheses. The elements can be of any type,
the number of elements are not limited and this function is frequently used to define a 2D
or 3D point variable (a list of two or three real).

e.g.
Command: (list 5 10.0) returns (5 10.0)

(list “A” “B”) returns (“A” “B”)

(list 5 “A”) returns ( 5 “A”)

(list `A `B) returns (A B)

(list (list 5 10) ) returns ((5 10))

(setq A 2 B 5)

(list A B) returns (2 5)

(list (+ A 4) B) returns (6 5)

The list function may be a nested list, which contains lists as members.

e.g.
Command: (setq K (list 1 2 3) ) returns (1 2 3)


 (setq L (list“C” “A” “D” “D”) returns (“C” “A” “D” “D”)

(setq K L returns ((1 2 3) (“C” “A” “D” “D”))

Polar

Syntax: (polar <point> <angle> <distance>)

This function locates a 3D point with respect to the given <point> at a given <distance>
and <angle>. The <angle> must be specified in RADIANS. Though the <point> can be a
3D point, <angle> is always with respect to the current construction plane. The point is a
list of two real.

e.g.

Command: (polar `(2 2) 0 3) returns (5.0 2.0)

The new point is fixed at an angle 0, at a distance of 3 units from the point 2,2.

Command: (polar (`2 2) 0.785398 1.414) returns (3.0 3.0)

The new point is located at an angle of 45 degrees (denoted as 0.785398 in radian

measure) at a distance of 1.414 from 2,2.

angle

Syntax: (angle <pt1> <pt2>)

This function returns the angle between the two given points in RADIANS. The angle is
measured from X axis of current construction plane and if a 3D point is supplied then
they are project onto the current construction plane.

e.g.
Command: (angle `(2 2) `(3 3)) returns 0.785398

(corresponds to 45 degrees)

(angle `(2 2) `(3 4)) returns 1.5707

(corresponds to 90 degrees)

(angle `(2 2) `(4 2)) returns 0.0

(corresponds of 0 degrees)
distance

Syntax: (distance <pt> <pt2>)

This function returns the numeric distance between the two given points <pt1> and
<pt2>. The points can be list of a 2 or 3 real numbers or integers.


e.g.

Command: (setq P1 `(2 2) P2 `(2 4))

(distance P1 P2) returns 2.0

(setq P1 `(2 0 0) P2 `(0 0 2 )) (distance P1 P2) returns 2.82843

FILE HANDLING
Every engineering design process, irrespective of the trade, whether Mechanical,
Civil or Architectural, needs data. These data are standards and thumb rules for an
optimum design solution. In conventional design process, an engineer has to repeatedly
refer volumes of catalogs, tables and charts which is a tedious process.

In the modern world, where computers are used to aid in the design process, one
need not look the design data table. All the necessary data can be stored as data files
and the design program can be made to open and read the files to locate the data.

Data files in the present scenario are simple ASCII files generated either
manually or through some other means

AutoLISP provides powerful yet simple functions to search and access the data
files, read and write/append information on to the data file.

A file can be opened and read/modified anywhere in a program. When you open
a file, AutoLISP provides a pointer which has to be assigned to a variable for further
reference.

The functions included in this chapter are as listed below.

The functions included in this chapter are,

findfile open close

read-line write-line read-char

write-char getfiled

findfile

Searches the AutoCAD library path for the specified file

findfile <file name>)

Returns:


 If the file is found Path of file as a STRING

If the file is not found nil

The FINDFILE function searches for the given file whose name is given as the
string argument in the AutoCAD library path. The file name should also include the
extension of the file. If the drive or directory prefix is given then the file is searched only
in the specified drive or directory.

Example:

If there is a file named “shaft.lsp” in the path c:\acadr14,then,

Command: (findfile “shaft.lsp”)

“C:\\ACADR14\\shaft.lsp”
otherwise,

Command: (findfile “shaft.lsp”)

Nil

Open

Opens a file for access by the AutoLISP I/O functions

(open <filename> <mode>

Returns:

If the file is found File Pointer (descriptor)

If the file is not found nil

The filename argument is a string that specifies the name and extension of the
file to be opened. The mode argument is the read/write flag. It must be a string
containing a single lower case letter. The following table describes the valid mode
letters.

Open mode Description

“r” Open for reading. If filename does not exit, open returns nil.

“w” Open for writing. If filename does not exit, a new files is created and
opened. If filename already exists, Its existing data is overwritten.

“a” Open for appending. If filename does not exit, a new file is created a new
file is created and opened. If filename already exists, it is opened and the


 pointer is positioned at the end of the existing data, so new data you write
to the file is appended to the existing data.

Open function returns a file description to be used by the other I/O functions. The
file descriptor must be assigned to a symbol that uses the seta function as shown below.
All further reference to the file should be through the file descriptor.

Example

Assuming that the files named in the following examples do not exit,

Command: (setq f (open “new.txt” “w”)

<File: # 22712c6>
Command: (setq f(open “nosuch.fil” “r”))
nil
Command: (setq f (open “lofgile” “a”))
<File: # 22711d8>

When a file “data.txt” exists,

Command: (setq f (open “data.txt” “r”))

<File: # 227115a>

Close

Closes an open file

(close <file descriptor>)

Returns

on success nil

on failure error message

The <file descriptor> argument is a file descriptor obtained from the open
function. After a close, the file descriptor is unchanged but is no longer valid. All files
opened in a program have to be closed before the program is terminated.

Example

The following code counts the number of lines in the file check.txt and sets the
variable no_lines equal to that number:

(setq fil_id(open “check.txt” “r”) no_lines 0)

(while (read-linefil_id) (setq no_lines ( 1 + no_lines)))
(close fil_id)


read – char

Returns the ASCII code of the character read from an open file or from keyboard.

(read-char [<file descriptor>])

Returns

on success nil

on failure error message

This function returns the decimal ASCII code representing the character read
from the keyboard input buffer or from an open file described by the <file descriptor>. If
there are no <file descriptor>s and characters in the keyboard input buffer, the function
waits for a keyboard input.

Example

Command: (setq f (open “data.txt” “r”))

<file: # 227115a>
Command: (read-char f)
106

write – char

Writes a character to the screen or to an open file

(write – char <num> [<file descriptor>])

Returns

on success write the character

on failure error message

This function writes a character to the screen or to an open file. The <num>
argument is a decimal ASCII code for the character specified by the <num>. If no <file
descriptor> is given then the character is written on the screen else the character will be
written to the specified file.

Example

Command: (write – char 65)

A

Command: setq fp O(open “data.txt” “a” ))

<File: # 22713fa>
Command: (write – char 65 fp)


 The last example writes character A onto the open file whose <file descriptor> is
fp. In either case, WRITE – CHAR will echo the argument (65 in this case) at the
Command: prompt

read – line

Reads a string from the keyboard or from an open file.

(read – line [<file descriptor>])

Returns

on success line read as string

on failure nil

This function returns the line read from the keyboard or from an open file. When
this function is repeated with the file descriptor then the function returns the next line of
the file.

Example

Assuming that fp is a valid open file pointer,

(read-line fp)

returns the next input line from the file, or returns nil if the end-of-file has been
reached.

write – line

Writes a string to the screen or to an open file

(write – line <string> [<file descriptor>])

Returns:
on success string omitting the quotes

on failure error message

This function write the <string> to the screen or to an open file. The function
returns a quoted string to the file if <file descriptor> is specified. Otherwise the <string>
is written on the screen

Example

Assuming that fp is a valid open file descriptor.

(write – line “Welcome” fp)

writes Welcome in the file.


getfiled

Display the standard AutoCAD file dialog box, and returns that the name

(getfiled <title> <default> <ext> <flags>)

Returns

If file is selected the file selected as string

If file not selected nil

The <title> argument specifies the dialog box label. The <default> arguments
specifies a default file name to use for the dialog box. It can be empty string also. The
<ext> argument specifies the default file name extension, used as a mask for the files
presented to the user in a scrolling list box. This function returns the name of the
selected by the user, or nil if no file was selected. The <flags> argument is an integer
value ( a bit-coded field), the meaning of the various bit values are:

Bit Value Meaning

1. Display “alert” message if the user selects an existing file.

2. Disables the “Type It” button in the dialog box.
4. Allows the user to change the file extension or no extension at all.
8. Performs an AutoCAD library search for the filename entered.

Example:

Command: (getfiled “Select a Lisp File” “c:\acadr14” “lsp” 8)

“C:\\ACADR14\\Surf.lsp”

If you choose a file from the dialog box and click on OK then AutoCAD returns
the selected lisp file name.

ENTITY HANDLING
entlast
Returns the name of the last non-deleted main object (entity) in the drawing.

(entlast)
The entity name of the last drawn entity.


 The entlast function is frequently used to obtain the name of a new entity that has
just been added with the command function. The entity need not be on the screen or on
a thawed layer to be selected.

Example:

(setq e1 (entlast))

Sets e1 to the name of the last drawn entity in the drawing.

entnext

Returns the name of the next object (entityO in the drawing.

(entnext [<ename>])

Returns:

if next entity is found The Entity name of the entity

if not found nil

This function retrieves entity names sequentially. When the optional parameter
<ename> is not specified, the function returns the entity name of the first entity in
database, else it returns the name of the seceding entity specified by <ename>.

Example

(setq e1 (entnext))

returns the entity name of the first entity in the drawing.

(setq e2 (entnext e1))

returns the entity name of the entity following e1.

entsel
Prompts the user to select a single object (entity) by specifying a point

(entsel [<prompt>])

Returns

entity found at point picked The Entity name and the point picked as a
list.

Entity not found nil


 This function is used to select an entity by specifying a point. The function returns
a list containing entity name and the point selected. When the optional argument
<prompt> is specified, AutoCAD prints the string in the command prompt area and waits
for user input. When it is not specified, AutoCAD displays a default prompt Select
Object: in the command prompt are:

Example:
Assuming if there is an object passing through point 3,3
Command: (entsel “Pick entity:”)
Pick entity: 3,3

(<Entity name: Ce74h3> (3.000000 3.000000 0.0))

nentsel
Prompts the user to select an object (entity) by specifying a point, and provides access
to the definition data contained within a complex object.

(nentsel [<prompt>])

Returns

Entity found at point picked The Entity name and the point picked as a list

Entity not found nil

This function provides access to the entities contained inside a nested entity.
(such as POLYLINES and INSERTS) If the optional argument <prompt> is passed then
this function waits for user selection by issuing <prompt> or else a standard prompt
Select Object: will be issued. If the selected objet is not a nested entity (i.e. neither a
POLYLINE nor a BLOCK INSERT) then this function returns same information as
ENTSELF function. When a sub entity of a nested entity is selected, this function returns
a list containing 4 elements.

The first element of that list will be entity name of the selected subentity. The
second element will be the point of selection, third one will be a matrix called `Model to
World Transformation Matrix’ which specifies the location of the sub entity with respect
to the insertion point of the block. The fourth member of the above list will be entity name
of the block that contains the selected sub entity.

If the selected entity is an ATTRIBUTE of an INSERT then this function returns

only the entity name of the attribute and the pick point.

The nentsel function will be a list as follows:

(<Entity name: ename1> Name of entity

(Px Py Pz) Pick point
((X0 Y0 Z0)
(X1 Y1 Z1) Model to World transformation matrix
(X2 Y2 Z2)
(X3 Y3 Z)


)
(<Entity name: ename2> Name of most deeply nested block containing
selected entity

<Entity name: ename>) Name of outermost block containing

selected entity.
)

entupd
Updates the screen image of an object (entity)

(entupd <ename>)

Returns

on success The Entity name

When a polyline vertex or block attribute is modified with entmod, the entire complex
entity is not updated on the screen. The entupd function can be used to cause a modified polyline
or block to be updated on the screen. This function can be called with the entity name of any part
of the polyline or block; it need not be the head entity. While entupd is intended for polylines and
blocks with attributes, it can be called for any entity. It always regenerates the entity on the
screen, including all subentities.

Example

Assuming that the first entity in the drawing is a polyline with spline fit data and
with several vertices, then

(setq e1 (entnext)) ;Sets e1 to the polyline’s entity name

(setq e2 (entnext)) ;Sets e2 to its first vertex
(setq en (entget)) ;Sets en to the vertex data
(setq ed ;Changes the vertex’s location in en to point
(subt (`10 1.0.2.0) ;(1,2)

assoc 10 en)
en)
)

(entmod en) ;Moves the vertex in the drawing

(entupd e1) ;Regenerates the polyline entity e1

entmod
Modifies the definition data of an object (entity)

Entmod <elist>)


Returns

on success The Entity list

on failure error message (mostly Bad entmod list).

This function modifies the database of the entity specified by <elist>. The <elist>
is the associative list of the entity obtained by entget function.

Example

(command “line “ “2,3” “4,5” “ “)

(setq en (entnext)
e1 (entget en) ; gets the entity list of the line.

e1(subst (cons 10 (list 4 4))(assoc 10 e1)e1)

) ;changes the starting point of the line to 4,4
(entmod e1) ;updates the database

entdel
Deletes objects (entities) or undeletes previously deleted objects.

(entdel <ename>)

Returns

on success The Entity name

on failure error message (bad argument type)

This function is used to delete an entity in the current drawing editor. When used
again, it undeletes the entity specified by <ename> in the current drawing editor. All
deleted entities are purged when the current drawing is exited.

Example

If `a’ is a valid entity name, deletes the entity and returns entity name

Command: (entdel a)
<Entity name: 21d0548>

If `b’ is not a valid entity name

Command: (entdel b)
Error: bad argument type
(ENTDEL B)
*Cancel*


entmake
Creates a new entity (graphical object) in the drawing

(entmake <elist>)

Returns

on success The Entity

on failure error message (bad entmake list value)

This function creates a new entity in the current drawing making use of the entity
list specified by <elist> as the definition data. If successful then this returns the definition
data and nil otherwise.

The minimum data <elist> for making an entity are as follows:

1. Entity type

2. Basic geometric data

3. Optional arguments

a. Color
b. Layer
c. Linetype
d. Extrusion direction
e. Elevation
f. Thickness

1. Valid entity types are “LINE”, CIRCLE”, “ARC”, etc.,

2. Geometric data for:

LINE: Start point & End point

CIRCLE: Center point & Radius


SELECTION SET
SSGET FILTERS

(ssget “X” <filter list>

This function selects all the entities conforming to a specified filter list. The <filter
list> is an association list that is used as a check to select objects. Each sub-list in the
<filter list> contains the group code and the value to matched. The group codes that can
be used in a ssget “X” function are,

Code Meaning

0 Entity type
2 Block name of block references
6 Line type name
7 Text style name for text and attribute definitions
8 Layer name
38 Elevation (real)
39 Thickness (real)
62 color number (0 => “BYBLOCK”
256 = > “BYLAYER”)
66 Attributes – follow flag for block references
210 3D extrusion direction vector (list of three reals).

Example:

(ssget “X” (list (cons 0 “line”))) ;selects all lines

(ssget “X” (list cons 0 “line”)
(cons 8 “C”))) ;selects all lines in the layer named C

sslength
Returns an integer containing the number of objects (entities) in selection set

(sslength) <ss>)

Returns

on success no of entity names present in the set

on failure error message

The number is returned as a real if it is greater than 32, 767. Selection sets never
contain duplicate selections of the same entity.


Example
(setq sset (ssget “L”)) ;Places the last object in selection set
sset

(sslength sset)

ssdel
Deletes an object (entity) from a selection set
(ssdel < ename > selection set name
on failure error message

This is used to delete the entity specified by < ename > from the selection set
<ss>. It returns the new selection set. If the entity is not found in the <ss>, the function
returns nil.

Example

(setq sd (ssget “X” (list (cons 0 :line”))); place all lines in the selection
; set sd.

(set1 e1 (ssname sd0)) ;selects the first entity in the

;selection set sd.

(ssdel e1 sd) ;deletes the lines e1 from the set sd.

sssetfirst
Sets which objects are selected and gripped

(sssetfirst <gripset> [pickset>])

Returns

on success list of the variables passed

on failure error message

Example

The expressions below grips all the entities in the drawing

Command: (setq a (ssget “x”))

<Selection set:1>
Command: (sssetfirst a)
(A)

ssgetfirst


Determines which objects are selected and gripped
(ssgetfirst

Returns

on success list of the selection sets (gripped / selected)

on failure error message

Example

Command: (ssgetfirst)
[<Selection set: 2> nil)

APPLICATION HANDLING

Almost all environments and software provide the user the tools to develop applications
for his/her need through customization. It is appropriate because it is very difficult or rather
impractical to group all the needs of the user by software developer himself. In this context,
understanding the importance and the advantages of customization, Autodesk has developed
AutoCAD with an open architecture, which encourages customizing to a large extent.

Autodesk has considered both the noise and experienced user has given tools for various
levels of customization. It depends on the knowledge and experience of the user, in AutoCAD as
well as other programming language such as AutoLISP and C. It is also based on the nature and
complexity of the application to the developed.

AutoCAD can be customized through,

¾ AutoLISP, a programming language framed by the Autodesk for developing small

applications involving either designing or drafting in AutoCAD.

¾ ADS – AutoCAD Development System, a programming language using the structure of

`C’ language.

¾ ARX – AutoCAD Runtime Extension brings in the phenomena of OOPS in to AutoCAD

environment. This is possible because of the C++ interface with AutoCAD. This increases
the power of AutoCAD many times. Using ARX you can develop your own application
which can have its own objects. (AutoCAD itself is a C++ application)


 In order to utilize the function defined in these customized applications inside AutoCAD,
AutoLISP provides functions to load them. And the objective of this chapter is to enable you to
use those functions to load, unload and execute them.

The functions dealt in this chapter are as listed below,

xload xunload ads
arx arxload autoarxload
Autoload autoxload autozrxload

xload
Loads an ADS application
(xload <adds application> [<on failure>])
This function load an <ads application>. If the application is successfully loaded then this
returns the application name or returns a standard error message otherwise. However, if the <on
failure> argument is supplied then the function returns the value of this argument upon failure
instead of an error message.

This function fails to load if the application is already loaded.

Example
(xload “/myappx/xapp”) if successful, returns “/myappx/xapp”
xunload
Unloads an ADS application
(xunload <application> [<on failure>])
This function unloads an <ADS application> specified. If the application is successfully
unloaded then it returns the application name else returns an error message. The <application
name> should be entered as it was entered during xload. The directory name can be omitted for
this function. If the xunload application fails it causes an AutoLISP error. However if the <on
failure> argument is supplied the functions the value of this argument <on failure> argument is
supplied then the function returns the value of this argument <on failure> instead of issuing an
error message.
Example:
(xunload “ame”) if successful, returns “ame”
ads
Returns a list of the currently loaded ADS applications
(ads)
Each ADS application loaded and its path is a quoted string in the list.
arx
Returns a list of the currently loaded ARX applications


(arx)
Each ARX application loaded and its path is a quoted string in the list.

Example
Command: (arx)
(“acadapp.arx” “ geomal.arx” “oleaprof.arx”)

arxload
Loads an ARX application
(arxload <application> [<on failure>])
The <application> argument is entered as a quoted string or as a variable that contains the
name of an executable file. At the time the file is loaded, it is verified to be a valid ARX
application.
If the arxload operation fails then it normally causes an AutoLISP error. However, if the
<on failure> argument is supplied then arxload returns the value of this argument upon failure
instead of an error message. If the application is successfully loaded then the application name is
returned.
arxunload
Unloads an ARX <application> [<on failure>])
If the <application> is successfully unloaded then the <application> name is returned,
otherwise, an error message is issued.
Enter <application> as a quoted string or as a variable containing the name of an
application that was loaded with the arxload function. The <application> name must be entered
exactly as it was entered for the arxload function. If a path (directory name) or extension was
entered for the application in arxload, it can be omitted in the arxunload function.

autoload

Predefines command names to load an associated AutoLISP file

(autoload <filename> <cmdlist>)
The <filename> argument is a string that specifies the “.lsp” file that is loaded when one
of the command defined by the <cmdlist> argument is entered at the command prompt. The
<cmdlist> argument must be a list of strings. The autoload function returns nil.
The following code defines the C:APP1, C:APP2 and C:APP3 functions to load the
“bounsapp.lsp” file. The fist time one of the command APP1, APP2 or APP3 are entered at the
command prompt the ARX application loads and the command continues.
Example:
(autoload “BOUNSAPP” (“APP1” “APP2” “APP3”))


autoxload

Predefines command names to load an associated ADS application.

(autoxload <filename> <cmdlist>)

The <filename> argument is a string that specifies the ADS file that is loaded when one
of the commands defined by the <cmdlist> argument is entered at the command prompt. The
<cmdlist> argument must be a list of strings. The autoxload function returns nil.

The following code defines the C:APP1, C:APP3 and C:APP3 functions to load the
“bounsapp.lsp” file. The first time one of the command APP1, APP2 or APP3 are entered at the
command prompt the ARX application loads and the command continues.Example:
(autoxload “BOUNSAPP” (“APP1” “APP2” “APP3”))

DIALOG CONTROL LANGUAGE [DCL]

AutoCAD gives you a language called as Dialog Control Language (DCL) which has got
its own syntax and functions, using which you could design your dialog box. Autodesk has
provided two file ACAD.DCL and BASE.DCL in which many of the commonly used dialog box
components, their structure and layout are predefined.

The definition a dialog box is written using Dialog Control Language in separate ASCII
files that contain the descriptions of the various elements of the dialog box. The above file should
have a file name extension .dcl. A .dcl file can contain the description of a single or multiple
dialogue boxes. The arrangement of elements (tiles) in a dialog box, such as buttons and
edit_boxes, is determined by their order in the .dcl file.

Dialog Box Components

The following figure shows the various components of a Dialog box, In dialog box
creation these components are called as tiles.The two major components of a dialog box are tiles
and the box itself. The tiles can be arranged in any desired format (lime rows or columns). The
basic tiles, such as buttons, lists, edit boxes, images, toggle, radio button, etc., are predefined by
the programmable dialog box facility of AutoCAD and are defined in BASE.DCL. By grouping
the tiles into rows and columns, it is possible to create complex tiles, called subassembly. The
layout of the tile and their functionality are controlled by the attributes associated with the tiles.


alignment

alignment = position;
Applied to: all tiles

Specifies the justification of a tile within its cluster. The possible values of a tile inside a
column are left, right or centered (default : left), the possible values of a tile inside a row are top,
bottom, or centered (default : centered).

aspects_ratio

aspect_ratio = real;

Applied to: image, image_button

Specifies the ratio of the width of the image to its height (width divided by height).
Possible values are floating-point values (default : none).

Color

Color = colorname;

Applied to: image, image,button

Specifies the background (fill) color of the image. Possible values are an integer or
reserved word (default : 7) specified as an AutoCAD color number or as one of the symbolic
names show in the following table.

Symbolic Name Meaning

Dialog_line Current dialog box line color

Dialog_foreground Current dialog box foreground color (for text)

Dialog_foreground Current dialog box background color


graphics_background Current background of the AutoCAD graphics screen

black AutoCAD color = 0 (black)

red AutoCAD color = 1 (red)

yellow AutoCAD color = 2 (yellow)

green AutoCAD color = 3 (green)

cyan AutoCAD color = 4 (cyan)

blue AutoCAD color = 5 (blue)

magenta AutoCAD color = 6 (magenta)

white graphica_foreground AutoCAD color = 7 (white)(appears black on a light

background)

edit_limit

edit_limit = integer;

Applied to: edit_box

Specifies the maximum no of characters a user is allowed to enter in the edit_box.

Possible values in an integer (default : 132). The maximum edit_limit allowed is 256 characters.

is_default

is_default = true – false;

Applied to: button


 Specifies whether the button is the default selected (“pushed”) when the user presses the
accept (enter) key. Only one button in a dialog box can have the is_default attribute set to true.

is_enabled

is_enabled = true – false;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies whether the tile is initially grayed out (unavailable). Possible values are true of
false (default: true). If false, the tile is initially grayed out.

is_tab_stop

is_tab_stop = true – false ;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies whether the tile receives keyboard focus when the user moves between tiles by
pressing the TAB key. If the tile is disabled, it isn’t tab stop even if this attribute is true. If false,
the tile is not a tab stop.

key

key = “string” ;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies an ASCII name that the program uses to refer to this specific tile. Possible value
is a quoted string (no default). Within a particular dialog box, each key value must be unique.
This string is case sensitive: if you specify the key as Check_no BigTile, you cannot reference it
as check_no. Because the value of a key isn’t visible to the user, its name can be whatever you
choose (as long as it is unique to the dialog box).


label

label = “string”;

Applied to: boxed_row, boxed_column, boxed_ratio_row,

Bosed_radio_column, button, dialog, edit_box, list_box,
Popup_list, radio_button, text, and toggle.

Specifies the text displayed within the tile. Possible value is a quoted string (default: a
blank string, “ “ . The placement of label text is tile specific.

If a character in the label string is preceded by an ampersand (&), that character becomes
the mnemonic.

list

list = “string”;

Applied to: list_box, popup_list

Specifies the initial set of lines (choices) to be placed in the popup_list or list_box.
Possible value is a quoted string (no default). Lines are separated by a new line symbol (\n). Tab
character (\t) can occur within each line.

mnemonic

mnemonic = “char”;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies a keyboard mnemonic character for the tile. The mnemonic is underlined in the
tile’s label. Possible value is quoted string of a single character (no default). The character must
be one of the letters in the tile’s label. The character doesn’t have to be unique to the dialog box:
if more than one tile has the same mnemonic, the user presses that key to cycle through the tiles
sequentially.
value


value = “string“ ;

Applied to: text, active tiles (except buttons and image buttons)

Specifies the initial value of a tile. Possible value is a quoted string. The meaning of a
tile’s value varies depending on the kind of tile. The value of a tile can change at run time, with
user input or set_tile calls.

The value attribute of a tile is not considered when the dialog box is laid out. After the
layout is finished and the dialog box has been displayed, new_dialog uses the value attributes to
initialize each tile in the dialog box. At tile’s value attribute has no effect on the size or spacing of
tiles in the dialog box.

width

width = number;

Applied to: all tiles

Specifies the width of a tile. Possible values are an integer or a real number representing
the distance in character-width units. Do not specify this value unless the assigned defaults don’t
provide acceptable appearance. You must specify, however, the width of image tiles and image
buttons.

big_increment

big_increment = integer;

Applied to: slider

Specifies the value used by the slider’s incremental controls. The default value of
big_increment is one-tenth of the total range. The value must be within the range specified by
min_value and max_value.


small_increment

small_increment = integer;

Applied to: slider

Specifies the value by the slider’s incremental controls. Default value of small_increment
is one one-hundredth the total range. The value must be within the range specified by min_value
and max_value. This attribute is optional.

layout

layout = position;

Applied to: slider

Specifies the orientation of a slider. Possible values are horizontal or vertical (default:
horizontal). For horizontal sliders, the value increases from left to right. For vertical sliders, it
increases from button to top.

Password_char

Password_char = “cahr”;

Applied to: edit_box

Specifies the character to be used as the password character. If password_char is

specified and is not null, that character is displayed in the edit box instead of the characters
entered by the user. The use of this attribute has no effect on the retrieval of the value entered by
the user. It alters only the display of the characters in the edit box.

DCL Tile Catalog

Having seen the attributes which control the properties of the tiles, let us now have a
detailed look at the various Tiles available and how to use them,
dialog
: dialog {


 initial_focus label value
}

A dialog is the tile that defines the dialog box. You should not specify both a label and value
attribute: the value attributes that of the label.

label :Specifies the optional tile displayed in the tile bar.

initial_focus :Specifies the key of the tile that receives the initial keyboard
focus.

initial_focus :Specifies the key of the tile that receives the initial keyboard
focus.

Example:

To create a dialog shown,

: dialog {
label = “You did it . . . “;
ok_only;
}
button
:button {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_cancel is_default is_enabled is_tab_stop
key label mnemonic width

A button tile resembles a push button. The button’s label specifies text that appears inside
the button.

Dialog boxes must include an OK button (or its equivalent) for the user to press after
using (or reading) the box. Many dialog boxes also include a Cancel button that enables
the user to leave the dialog box without making any changes.

Example


 :button {
label = “Execute”;
fixed_height = true;
fixed_width = true;
edit box
:edit_box{
alignment edit_limit edit_width fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled
is_tab_stop key label mnemonic value width password_char.

An edit box is a field that enables the user to enter or edit a single line of text. An
optional label can appear to the left of the box. If the entered text is longer than
the length of the edit box, its scrolls horizontally.

Image
:image {
alignment aspect_ratio color fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled
is_tab_stop key label mnemonic value width

}
An image is a rectangle in which a vector graphic picture is displayed. You can use an
image to display a vector, to fill an area with a color patch, or to display a slide image.

Example:

: image {
width = 5;
height = 5;
key = “til”;
}


list_box
:list_box{
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop key label list
mnemonic value width

Example:

: list_box
height = 10;
width = 10;
key = “lis”;
}

popup_list
:popup_list {

alignment edit_width fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tap_stop key

label list mnemonic value width
}

radio_button
: radio_button {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop key label
mnemonic value width

Value: A quoted string (no default). If the value is “1”, the radio_button is on; if it is
“0”, the radio_buttons is off.


Example:

:radio_button {
label = “Left”;
mnemonic = “L”;
key = “left”;
}

text
text {
alignment fixed-height fixed_width height key label value width

A text tile display a text string for titling or informational purposes.

toggle
: toggle {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height key label value width

Value :

If the string is “0”, the toggle box is blank (without a check mark).

If it is “1”, the box contains a check mark (or an X).

slider
:slider {
action alignment big_increment fixed_height fixed_width height key label layout
max_value min_value mnemonic small_increment value width

ok_only
ok_only;


 The ok_only tile is solitary OK button, such as the kind that alert boxes use. The
key of the OK button is “accept”.

The ok_only tile is defined in the base.dcl file.

ok_cancel

ok_cancel;

The ok_cancel tile is a combination of the OK and Cancel buttons, and is the standard
combination for dialog boxes that can originate changes to data. The key of the Cancel
button is “cancel”.

The of_cancel tile is defined in the base.dcl file.

errtile
errtile;

An error tile is a text tile that appears at the bottom of a dialog box. By default it’s blank,
put programs can display messages in it by setting the value of the tile whose key is “error”.

The errtile tile is defined in the base.dcl file.

column
:column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

Tiles in a column are laid out vertically in the order in which they appear in the DCL file.
A column can contain any kind of tile (except for solitary radio buttons), including rows
and other columns.

A column without a box has no additional attributes beyond the standard layout
attributes.


boxed_column
:boxed_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

A boxed column is box like rectangular area with a border around it. All the tiles that is
laid inside will be in a column fashion. If a boxed_column has a label, the label (title) is
embedden in it on the top left corner of the box.

boxed_radio_column
:bosed_radio_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

A boxed_radio_column is very similar to the boxed_column in all means except one

function. It encloses the radio_buttons in a column, at a point of time only one radio
button can be selected. You treat the label the same way that you would treat the label of
a boxed column.

radio_column
:radio_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height width
}

A set of radio buttons arranged in a column.

row
: row {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}
A row is like a column, but its tiles are laid out horizontally instead of vertically, in the
order in which appear in the DCL file.

A row without a box has no additional attributes beyond the standard layout attributes.


boxed_row
:boxed_radio_row {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}
A boxed row has a border around it. If a boxed row has a label, the label appears
embedded in it.

boxed_radio_row
:boxed_radio_rwo {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

A boxed radio row has a border around it. You treat the label the same way that you
would treat the label of a boxed row.

At any point of time only one radio_button can be selected indicating the option needed.

radio_row
:boxed_radio_row{
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

A set of radio button arranged in a row.

SAMPLE PROGRAMS

This section gives you some sample DCL files. Try these first before creating any
Dialogs of your own on the exercises, and clearly understand each and every line in these
programs. Follow the instructions given.

Example: 01
/* this is a comment. . . .

A sample dialog which appears as shown in the figure. . .


 The dialog name is mydial, and the coding is written in great.dcl. . .

*/

mydial:dialog {

label = “This is my first dialog box”; //heading of dialog

:text {
label = “Great ! You’ve done it. . . “;//text tile
}
ok_only;
} / / dialog ends here

load_dialog

(load_dialog <dcl_file>

The dcl_file argument is a string that specifies the .dcl file to load. Returns a positive
integer value (dcl_id) if successful, and returns a negative integer if it can’t open the file.
The dcl_id is used as a handle in subsequent new_dialog and unload_dialog calls.

This function is the complement of unload_dialog.

Example:

(setq dcl_id (load_dialog “great.dcl”) ) returns 1

new_dialog

(new_dialog <dlg name> <dcl_id>

The glgname argument is a string that specifies the dialog box, and dcl_id identifies the
.dcl file (you must have obtained its value from the load_dialog call).
Example:

(new_dialog “mydial” dcl_id) displays the dialog on screen



FILE HANDLING

Every engineering design process, irrespective of the trade, whether Mechanical, Civil or
Architectural, needs data. These data are standards and thumb rules for an optimum design
solution. In conventional design process, an engineer has to repeatedly refer volumes of
catalogs, tables and charts which is a tedious process.

In the modern world, where computers are used to aid in the design process, one need
not look the design data table. All the necessary data can be stored as data files and the design
program can be made to open and read the files to locate the data.

Data files in the present scenario are simple ASCII files generated either manually or
through some other means

AutoLISP provides powerful yet simple functions to search and access the data files,
read and write/append information on to the data file.

A file can be opened and read/modified anywhere in a program. When you open a file,
AutoLISP provides a pointer which has to be assigned to a variable for further reference.

The functions included in this chapter are as listed below.

The functions included in this chapter are,

findfile open close

read-line write-line read-char

write-char getfiled

findfile

Searches the AutoCAD library path for the specified file

findfile <file name>)

Returns:

If the file is found Path of file as a STRING

If the file is not found nil

The FINDFILE function searches for the given file whose name is given as the string
argument in the AutoCAD library path. The file name should also include the extension of the
file. If the drive or directory prefix is given then the file is searched only in the specified drive or
directory.


Example:

If there is a file named “shaft.lsp” in the path c:\acadr14,then,

Command: (findfile “shaft.lsp”)

“C:\\ACADR14\\shaft.lsp”
otherwise,

Command: (findfile “shaft.lsp”)

Nil

Open

Opens a file for access by the AutoLISP I/O functions

(open <filename> <mode>

Returns:

If the file is found File Pointer (descriptor)

If the file is not found nil

The filename argument is a string that specifies the name and extension of the file to be
opened. The mode argument is the read/write flag. It must be a string containing a single lower
case letter. The following table describes the valid mode letters.

Open mode Description

“r” Open for reading. If filename does not exit, open returns nil.

“w” Open for writing. If filename does not exit, a new files is created and opened. If
filename already exists, Its existing data is overwritten.

“a” Open for appending. If filename does not exit, a new file is created a new file is
created and opened. If filename already exists, it is opened and the pointer is
positioned at the end of the existing data, so new data you write to the file is
appended to the existing data.

Open function returns a file description to be used by the other I/O functions. The file
descriptor must be assigned to a symbol that uses the seta function as shown below. All further
reference to the file should be through the file descriptor.


Example

Assuming that the files named in the following examples do not exit,

Command: (setq f (open “new.txt” “w”)

<File: # 22712c6>
Command: (setq f(open “nosuch.fil” “r”))
nil
Command: (setq f (open “lofgile” “a”))
<File: # 22711d8>

When a file “data.txt” exists,

Command: (setq f (open “data.txt” “r”))

<File: # 227115a>

Close

Closes an open file

(close <file descriptor>)

Returns

on success nil

on failure error message

The <file descriptor> argument is a file descriptor obtained from the open function. After
a close, the file descriptor is unchanged but is no longer valid. All files opened in a program
have to be closed before the program is terminated.

Example

The following code counts the number of lines in the file check.txt and sets the variable
no_lines equal to that number:

(setq fil_id(open “check.txt” “r”) no_lines 0)

(while (read-linefil_id) (setq no_lines ( 1 + no_lines)))
(close fil_id)

read – char

Returns the ASCII code of the character read from an open file or from keyboard.

(read-char [<file descriptor>])

Returns

on success nil


 on failure error message

This function returns the decimal ASCII code representing the character read from the
keyboard input buffer or from an open file described by the <file descriptor>. If there are no <file
descriptor>s and characters in the keyboard input buffer, the function waits for a keyboard input.

Example

Command: (setq f (open “data.txt” “r”))

<file: # 227115a>
Command: (read-char f)
106

write – char

Writes a character to the screen or to an open file

(write – char <num> [<file descriptor>])

Returns

on success write the character

on failure error message

This function writes a character to the screen or to an open file. The <num> argument is
a decimal ASCII code for the character specified by the <num>. If no <file descriptor> is given
then the character is written on the screen else the character will be written to the specified file.

Example

Command: (write – char 65)

A

Command: setq fp O(open “data.txt” “a” ))

<File: # 22713fa>
Command: (write – char 65 fp)

The last example writes character A onto the open file whose <file descriptor> is fp. In
either case, WRITE – CHAR will echo the argument (65 in this case) at the Command: prompt

read – line

Reads a string from the keyboard or from an open file.

(read – line [<file descriptor>])

Returns


 on success line read as string

on failure nil

This function returns the line read from the keyboard or from an open file. When this
function is repeated with the file descriptor then the function returns the next line of the file.

Example

Assuming that fp is a valid open file pointer,

(read-line fp)

returns the next input line from the file, or returns nil if the end-of-file has been reached.

write – line

Writes a string to the screen or to an open file

(write – line <string> [<file descriptor>])

Returns:
on success string omitting the quotes

on failure error message

This function write the <string> to the screen or to an open file. The function returns a
quoted string to the file if <file descriptor> is specified. Otherwise the <string> is written on the
screen

Example

Assuming that fp is a valid open file descriptor.

(write – line “Welcome” fp)

writes Welcome in the file.

getfiled

Display the standard AutoCAD file dialog box, and returns that the name

(getfiled <title> <default> <ext> <flags>)

Returns

If file is selected the file selected as string

If file not selected nil


 The <title> argument specifies the dialog box label. The <default> arguments specifies a
default file name to use for the dialog box. It can be empty string also. The <ext> argument
specifies the default file name extension, used as a mask for the files presented to the user in a
scrolling list box. This function returns the name of the selected by the user, or nil if no file was
selected. The <flags> argument is an integer value ( a bit-coded field), the meaning of the
various bit values are:

Bit Value Meaning

1. Display “alert” message if the user selects an existing file.

2. Disables the “Type It” button in the dialog box.
4. Allows the user to change the file extension or no extension at all.
8. Performs an AutoCAD library search for the filename entered.

Example:

Command: (getfiled “Select a Lisp File” “c:\acadr14” “lsp” 8)

“C:\\ACADR14\\Surf.lsp”

If you choose a file from the dialog box and click on OK then AutoCAD returns the
selected lisp file name.

entlast

Returns the name of the last non-deleted main object (entity) in the drawing.

(entlast)

The entity name of the last drawn entity.

The entlast function is frequently used to obtain the name of a new entity that has just
been added with the command function. The entity need not be on the screen or on a thawed
layer to be selected.

Example:

(setq e1 (entlast))

Sets e1 to the name of the last drawn entity in the drawing.

entnext

Returns the name of the next object (entityO in the drawing.

(entnext [<ename>])

Returns:

if next entity is found The Entity name of the entity


 if not found nil

This function retrieves entity names sequentially. When the optional parameter <ename>
is not specified, the function returns the entity name of the first entity in database, else it returns
the name of the seceding entity specified by <ename>.

Example

(setq e1 (entnext))

returns the entity name of the first entity in the drawing.

(setq e2 (entnext e1))

returns the entity name of the entity following e1.

entsel

Prompts the user to select a single object (entity) by specifying a point

(entsel [<prompt>])

Returns

entity found at point picked The Entity name and the point picked as a list.

Entity not found nil

This function is used to select an entity by specifying a point. The function returns a list
containing entity name and the point selected. When the optional argument <prompt> is
specified, AutoCAD prints the string in the command prompt area and waits for user input.
When it is not specified, AutoCAD displays a default prompt Select Object: in the command
prompt are:

Example:
Assuming if there is an object passing through point 3,3
Command: (entsel “Pick entity:”)
Pick entity: 3,3

(<Entity name: Ce74h3> (3.000000 3.000000 0.0))

nentsel

Prompts the user to select an object (entity) by specifying a point, and provides access to the
definition data contained within a complex object.

(nentsel [<prompt>])

Returns


 Entity found at point picked The Entity name and the point picked as a list

Entity not found nil

This function provides access to the entities contained inside a nested entity. (such as
POLYLINES and INSERTS) If the optional argument <prompt> is passed then this function
waits for user selection by issuing <prompt> or else a standard prompt Select Object: will be
issued. If the selected objet is not a nested entity (i.e. neither a POLYLINE nor a BLOCK
INSERT) then this function returns same information as ENTSELF function. When a sub entity
of a nested entity is selected, this function returns a list containing 4 elements.

The first element of that list will be entity name of the selected subentity. The second
element will be the point of selection, third one will be a matrix called `Model to World
Transformation Matrix’ which specifies the location of the sub entity with respect to the insertion
point of the block. The fourth member of the above list will be entity name of the block that
contains the selected sub entity.

If the selected entity is an ATTRIBUTE of an INSERT then this function returns only the
entity name of the attribute and the pick point.

The nentsel function will be a list as follows:

(<Entity name: ename1> Name of entity

(Px Py Pz) Pick point
((X0 Y0 Z0)
(X1 Y1 Z1) Model to World transformation matrix
(X2 Y2 Z2)
(X3 Y3 Z)
)
(<Entity name: ename2> Name of most deeply nested block containing selected
entity

<Entity name: ename>) Name of outermost block containing selected entity.

)

entupd

Updates the screen image of an object (entity)

(entupd <ename>)

Returns

on success The Entity name

When a polyline vertex or block attribute is modified with entmod, the entire complex entity is
not updated on the screen. The entupd function can be used to cause a modified polyline or block to be
updated on the screen. This function can be called with the entity name of any part of the polyline or
block; it need not be the head entity. While entupd is intended for polylines and blocks with attributes, it
can be called for any entity. It always regenerates the entity on the screen, including all subentities.


Example

Assuming that the first entity in the drawing is a polyline with spline fit data and with
several vertices, then

(setq e1 (entnext)) ;Sets e1 to the polyline’s entity name

(setq e2 (entnext)) ;Sets e2 to its first vertex
(setq en (entget)) ;Sets en to the vertex data
(setq ed ;Changes the vertex’s location in en to point
(subt (`10 1.0.2.0) ;(1,2)

assoc 10 en)
en)
)

(entmod en) ;Moves the vertex in the drawing

(entupd e1) ;Regenerates the polyline entity e1

entmod

Modifies the definition data of an object (entity)

Entmod <elist>)

Returns

on success The Entity list

on failure error message (mostly Bad entmod list).

This function modifies the database of the entity specified by <elist>. The <elist> is the
associative list of the entity obtained by entget function.

Example

(command “line “ “2,3” “4,5” “ “)

(setq en (entnext)
e1 (entget en) ; gets the entity list of the line.

e1(subst (cons 10 (list 4 4))(assoc 10 e1)e1)

) ;changes the starting point of the line to 4,4
(entmod e1) ;updates the database


entdel

Deletes objects (entities) or undeletes previously deleted objects.

(entdel <ename>)

Returns

on success The Entity name

on failure error message (bad argument type)

This function is used to delete an entity in the current drawing editor. When used again,
it undeletes the entity specified by <ename> in the current drawing editor. All deleted entities
are purged when the current drawing is exited.

Example

If `a’ is a valid entity name, deletes the entity and returns entity name

Command: (entdel a)
<Entity name: 21d0548>

If `b’ is not a valid entity name

Command: (entdel b)
Error: bad argument type
(ENTDEL B)
*Cancel*

entmake

Creates a new entity (graphical object) in the drawing

(entmake <elist>)

Returns

on success The Entity

on failure error message (bad entmake list value)

This function creates a new entity in the current drawing making use of the entity list
specified by <elist> as the definition data. If successful then this returns the definition data and
nil otherwise.


 The minimum data <elist> for making an entity are as follows:

1. Entity type

2. Basic geometric data

3. Optional arguments

a. Color
b. Layer
c. Linetype
d. Extrusion direction
e. Elevation
f. Thickness

1. Valid entity types are “LINE”, CIRCLE”, “ARC”, etc.,

2. Geometric data for:

LINE: Start point & End point

CIRCLE: Center point & Radius

SSGET FILTERS

(ssget “X” <filter list>

This function selects all the entities conforming to a specified filter list. The <filter list> is
an association list that is used as a check to select objects. Each sub-list in the <filter list>
contains the group code and the value to matched. The group codes that can be used in a ssget
“X” function are,

Code Meaning

0 Entity type
2 Block name of block references
6 Line type name
7 Text style name for text and attribute definitions
8 Layer name
38 Elevation (real)
39 Thickness (real)
62 color number (0 => “BYBLOCK”
256 = > “BYLAYER”)
66 Attributes – follow flag for block references
210 3D extrusion direction vector (list of three reals).

Example:

(ssget “X” (list (cons 0 “line”))) ;selects all lines

(ssget “X” (list cons 0 “line”)


 (cons 8 “C”))) ;selects all lines in the layer named C

sslength

Returns an integer containing the number of objects (entities) in selection set

(sslength) <ss>)

Returns

on success no of entity names present in the set

on failure error message

The number is returned as a real if it is greater than 32, 767. Selection sets never
contain duplicate selections of the same entity.

Example

(setq sset (ssget “L”)) ;Places the last object in selection set sset

(sslength sset)

ssdel

Deletes an object (entity) from a selection set

(ssdel < ename > selection set name

on failure error message

This is used to delete the entity specified by < ename > from the selection set <ss>. It
returns the new selection set. If the entity is not found in the <ss>, the function returns nil.

Example

(setq sd (ssget “X” (list (cons 0 :line”))); place all lines in the selection
; set sd.

(set1 e1 (ssname sd0)) ;selects the first entity in the

;selection set sd.

(ssdel e1 sd) ;deletes the lines e1 from the set sd.

sssetfirst

Sets which objects are selected and gripped

(sssetfirst <gripset> [pickset>])


Returns

on success list of the variables passed

on failure error message

Example

The expressions below grips all the entities in the drawing

Command: (setq a (ssget “x”))

<Selection set:1>
Command: (sssetfirst a)
(A)

ssgetfirst

Determines which objects are selected and gripped

(ssgetfirst

Returns

on success list of the selection sets (gripped / selected)

on failure error message

Example

Command: (ssgetfirst)
[<Selection set: 2> nil)

APPLICATION HANDLING

Almost all environments and software provide the user the tools to develop applications for
his/her need through customization. It is appropriate because it is very difficult or rather impractical to
group all the needs of the user by software developer himself. In this context, understanding the
importance and the advantages of customization, Autodesk has developed AutoCAD with an open
architecture, which encourages customizing to a large extent.

Autodesk has considered both the noise and experienced user has given tools for various levels
of customization. It depends on the knowledge and experience of the user, in AutoCAD as well as other
programming language such as AutoLISP and C. It is also based on the nature and complexity of the
application to the developed.


AutoCAD can be customized through,

¾ AutoLISP, a programming language framed by the Autodesk for developing small applications
involving either designing or drafting in AutoCAD.

¾ ADS – AutoCAD Development System, a programming language using the structure of `C’
language.

¾ ARX – AutoCAD Runtime Extension brings in the phenomena of OOPS in to AutoCAD

environment. This is possible because of the C++ interface with AutoCAD. This increases the
power of AutoCAD many times. Using ARX you can develop your own application which can
have its own objects. (AutoCAD itself is a C++ application)

In order to utilize the function defined in these customized applications inside AutoCAD,
AutoLISP provides functions to load them. And the objective of this chapter is to enable you to use those
functions to load, unload and execute them.

The functions dealt in this chapter are as listed below,

xload xunload ads

arx arxload autoarxload

Autoload autoxload autozrxload

xload

Loads an ADS application

(xload <adds application> [<on failure>])

This function load an <ads application>. If the application is successfully loaded then this returns
the application name or returns a standard error message otherwise. However, if the <on failure>
argument is supplied then the function returns the value of this argument upon failure instead of an error
message.


 This function fails to load if the application is already loaded.

Example

(xload “/myappx/xapp”) if successful, returns “/myappx/xapp”

xunload

Unloads an ADS application

(xunload <application> [<on failure>])

This function unloads an <ADS application> specified. If the application is successfully unloaded
then it returns the application name else returns an error message. The <application name> should be
entered as it was entered during xload. The directory name can be omitted for this function. If the xunload
application fails it causes an AutoLISP error. However if the <on failure> argument is supplied the
functions the value of this argument <on failure> argument is supplied then the function returns the value
of this argument <on failure> instead of issuing an error message.

Example:

(xunload “ame”) if successful, returns “ame”

ads

Returns a list of the currently loaded ADS applications

(ads)

Each ADS application loaded and its path is a quoted string in the list.

arx

Returns a list of the currently loaded ARX applications


(arx)

Each ARX application loaded and its path is a quoted string in the list.

Example

Command: (arx)

(“acadapp.arx” “ geomal.arx” “oleaprof.arx”)

arxload

Loads an ARX application

(arxload <application> [<on failure>])

The <application> argument is entered as a quoted string or as a variable that contains the name
of an executable file. At the time the file is loaded, it is verified to be a valid ARX application.

If the arxload operation fails then it normally causes an AutoLISP error. However, if the <on
failure> argument is supplied then arxload returns the value of this argument upon failure instead of an
error message. If the application is successfully loaded then the application name is returned.

arxunload

Unloads an ARX <application> [<on failure>])

If the <application> is successfully unloaded then the <application> name is returned, otherwise,
an error message is issued.

Enter <application> as a quoted string or as a variable containing the name of an application that
was loaded with the arxload function. The <application> name must be entered exactly as it was entered
for the arxload function. If a path (directory name) or extension was entered for the application in arxload,
it can be omitted in the arxunload function.


autoload

Predefines command names to load an associated AutoLISP file

(autoload <filename> <cmdlist>)

The <filename> argument is a string that specifies the “.lsp” file that is loaded when one of the
command defined by the <cmdlist> argument is entered at the command prompt. The <cmdlist>
argument must be a list of strings. The autoload function returns nil.

The following code defines the C:APP1, C:APP2 and C:APP3 functions to load the
“bounsapp.lsp” file. The fist time one of the command APP1, APP2 or APP3 are entered at the command
prompt the ARX application loads and the command continues.

Example:

(autoload “BOUNSAPP” (“APP1” “APP2” “APP3”))

autoxload

Predefines command names to load an associated ADS application.

(autoxload <filename> <cmdlist>)

The <filename> argument is a string that specifies the ADS file that is loaded when one of the
commands defined by the <cmdlist> argument is entered at the command prompt. The <cmdlist>
argument must be a list of strings. The autoxload function returns nil.

The following code defines the C:APP1, C:APP3 and C:APP3 functions to load the
“bounsapp.lsp” file. The first time one of the command APP1, APP2 or APP3 are entered at the command
prompt the ARX application loads and the command continues.

Example:

(autoxload “BOUNSAPP” (“APP1” “APP2” “APP3”))


DIALOG CONTROL LANGUAGE [DCL]

AutoCAD gives you a language called as Dialog Control Language (DCL) which has got its own
syntax and functions, using which you could design your dialog box. Autodesk has provided two file
ACAD.DCL and BASE.DCL in which many of the commonly used dialog box components, their
structure and layout are predefined.

The definition a dialog box is written using Dialog Control Language in separate ASCII files that
contain the descriptions of the various elements of the dialog box. The above file should have a file name
extension .dcl. A .dcl file can contain the description of a single or multiple dialogue boxes. The
arrangement of elements (tiles) in a dialog box, such as buttons and edit_boxes, is determined by their
order in the .dcl file.

Dialog Box Components

The following figure shows the various components of a Dialog box, In dialog box creation these
components are called as tiles.


The two major components of a dialog box are tiles and the box itself. The tiles can be arranged in any
desired format (lime rows or columns). The basic tiles, such as buttons, lists, edit boxes, images, toggle,
radio button, etc., are predefined by the programmable dialog box facility of AutoCAD and are defined in
BASE.DCL. By grouping the tiles into rows and columns, it is possible to create complex tiles, called
subassembly. The layout of the tile and their functionality are controlled by the attributes associated with
the tiles.

alignment

alignment = positive;
Applied to: all tiles
Specifies the justification of a tile within its cluster. The possible values of a tile inside a column
are left, right or centered (default : left), the possible values of a tile inside a row are top, bottom, or
centered (default : centered).

aspects_ratio

aspect_ratio = real;

Applied to: image, image_button

Specifies the ratio of the width of the image to its height (width divided by height). Possible
values are floating-point values (default : none).

Color

Color = colorname;

Applied to: image, image,button

Specifies the background (fill) color of the image. Possible values are an integer or reserved word
(default : 7) specified as an AutoCAD color number or as one of the symbolic names show in the
following table.

Symbolic Name Meaning

Dialog_line Current dialog box line color


Dialog_foreground Current dialog box foreground color (for text)

Dialog_foreground Current dialog box background color

graphics_background Current background of the AutoCAD graphics screen

black AutoCAD color = 0 (black)

red AutoCAD color = 1 (red)

yellow AutoCAD color = 2 (yellow)

green AutoCAD color = 3 (green)

cyan AutoCAD color = 4 (cyan)

blue AutoCAD color = 5 (blue)

magenta AutoCAD color = 6 (magenta)

white graphica_foreground AutoCAD color = 7 (white)(appears black on a light background)

edit_limit

edit_limit = integer;

Applied to: edit_box

Specifies the maximum no of characters a user is allowed to enter in the edit_box. Possible values
in an integer (default : 132). The maximum edit_limit allowed is 256 characters.

is_default


is_default = true – false;

Applied to: button

Specifies whether the button is the default selected (“pushed”) when the user presses the accept
(enter) key. Only one button in a dialog box can have the is_default attribute set to true.

is_enabled

is_enabled = true – false;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies whether the tile is initially grayed out (unavailable). Possible values are true of false
(default: true). If false, the tile is initially grayed out.

is_tab_stop

is_tab_stop = true – false ;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies whether the tile receives keyboard focus when the user moves between tiles by pressing
the TAB key. If the tile is disabled, it isn’t tab stop even if this attribute is true. If false, the tile is not a tab
stop.

key

key = “string” ;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies an ASCII name that the program uses to refer to this specific tile. Possible value is a
quoted string (no default). Within a particular dialog box, each key value must be unique. This string is
case sensitive: if you specify the key as Check_no BigTile, you cannot reference it as check_no. Because


the value of a key isn’t visible to the user, its name can be whatever you choose (as long as it is unique to
the dialog box).

label

label = “string”;

Applied to: boxed_row, boxed_column, boxed_ratio_row,

Bosed_radio_column, button, dialog, edit_box, list_box,
Popup_list, radio_button, text, and toggle.

Specifies the text displayed within the tile. Possible value is a quoted string (default: a blank
string, “ “ . The placement of label text is tile specific.

If a character in the label string is preceded by an ampersand (&), that character becomes the
mnemonic.

list

list = “string”;

Applied to: list_box, popup_list

Specifies the initial set of lines (choices) to be placed in the popup_list or list_box. Possible value
is a quoted string (no default). Lines are separated by a new line symbol (\n). Tab character (\t) can occur
within each line.

mnemonic

mnemonic = “char”;

Applied to: all active tiles

Specifies a keyboard mnemonic character for the tile. The mnemonic is underlined in the tile’s
label. Possible value is quoted string of a single character (no default). The character must be one of the
letters in the tile’s label. The character doesn’t have to be unique to the dialog box: if more than one tile
has the same mnemonic, the user presses that key to cycle through the tiles sequentially.


value

value = “string“ ;

Applied to: text, active tiles (except buttons and image buttons)

Specifies the initial value of a tile. Possible value is a quoted string. The meaning of a tile’s value
varies depending on the kind of tile. The value of a tile can change at run time, with user input or set_tile
calls.

The value attribute of a tile is not considered when the dialog box is laid out. After the layout is
finished and the dialog box has been displayed, new_dialog uses the value attributes to initialize each tile
in the dialog box. At tile’s value attribute has no effect on the size or spacing of tiles in the dialog box.

width

width = number;

Applied to: all tiles

Specifies the width of a tile. Possible values are an integer or a real number representing the
distance in character-width units. Do not specify this value unless the assigned defaults don’t provide
acceptable appearance. You must specify, however, the width of image tiles and image buttons.

big_increment

big_increment = integer;

Applied to: slider

Specifies the value used by the slider’s incremental controls. The default value of big_increment
is one-tenth of the total range. The value must be within the range specified by min_value and max_value.

small_increment

small_increment = integer;


Applied to: slider

Specifies the value by the slider’s incremental controls. Default value of small_increment is one
one-hundredth the total range. The value must be within the range specified by min_value and
max_value. This attribute is optional.

layout

layout = position;

Applied to: slider

Specifies the orientation of a slider. Possible values are horizontal or vertical (default: horizontal).
For horizontal sliders, the value increases from left to right. For vertical sliders, it increases from button to
top.

Password_char

Password_char = “cahr”;

Applied to: edit_box

Specifies the character to be used as the password character. If password_char is specified and is
not null, that character is displayed in the edit box instead of the characters entered by the user. The use of
this attribute has no effect on the retrieval of the value entered by the user. It alters only the display of the
characters in the edit box Having seen the attributes which control the properties of the tiles, let us
now have a detailed look at the various Tiles available and how to use them,

dialog


 : dialog {
initial_focus label value
}

A dialog is the tile that defines the dialog box. You should not specify both a label and value attribute: the
value attributes that of the label.

label :Specifies the optional tile displayed in the tile bar.

initial_focus :Specifies the key of the tile that receives the initial keyboard focus.

initial_focus :Specifies the key of the tile that receives the initial keyboard focus.

Example:

To create a dialog shown,

: dialog {
label = “You did it . . . “;
ok_only;
}
button

:button {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_cancel is_default is_enabled is_tab_stop key label
mnemonic width

A button tile resembles a push button. The button’s label specifies text that appears inside the
button.

Dialog boxes must include an OK button (or its equivalent) for the user to press after using (or
reading) the box. Many dialog boxes also include a Cancel button that enables the user to leave
the dialog box without making any changes.


 Example

:button {
label = “Execute”;
fixed_height = true;
fixed_width = true;
edit box

:edit_box{
alignment edit_limit edit_width fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop
key label mnemonic value width password_char.

An edit box is a field that enables the user to enter or edit a single line of text. An
optional label can appear to the left of the box. If the entered text is longer than the length
of the edit box, its scrolls horizontally.

Image

:image {
alignment aspect_ratio color fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop key
label mnemonic value width


 An image is a rectangle in which a vector graphic picture is displayed. You can use an image to
display a vector, to fill an area with a color patch, or to display a slide image.

Example:

: image {
width = 5;
height = 5;
key = “til”;
}

list_box

:list_box{
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop key label list
mnemonic value width

Example:

: list_box
height = 10;
width = 10;
key = “lis”;
}


popup_list

:popup_list {

alignment edit_width fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tap_stop key label

list mnemonic value width
}

radio_button

: radio_button {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height is_enabled is_tab_stop key label mnemonic
value width

Value: A quoted string (no default). If the value is “1”, the radio_button is on; if it is “0”, the
radio_buttons is off.

Example:

:radio_button {
label = “Left”;
mnemonic = “L”;
key = “left”;
}

text

text {
alignment fixed-height fixed_width height key label value width


 A text tile display a text string for titling or informational purposes.

toggle

: toggle {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height key label value width

Value :

If the string is “0”, the toggle box is blank (without a check mark).

If it is “1”, the box contains a check mark (or an X).

slider

:slider {
action alignment big_increment fixed_height fixed_width height key label layout
max_value min_value mnemonic small_increment value width

ok_only

ok_only;


 The ok_only tile is solitary OK button, such as the kind that alert boxes use. The key of
the OK button is “accept”.

The ok_only tile is defined in the base.dcl file.

ok_cancel

ok_cancel;

The ok_cancel tile is a combination of the OK and Cancel buttons, and is the standard
combination for dialog boxes that can originate changes to data. The key of the Cancel button is
“cancel”.

The of_cancel tile is defined in the base.dcl file.

errtile

errtile;

An error tile is a text tile that appears at the bottom of a dialog box. By default it’s blank, put
programs can display messages in it by setting the value of the tile whose key is “error”.

The errtile tile is defined in the base.dcl file.


column

:column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

Tiles in a column are laid out vertically in the order in which they appear in the DCL file. A
column can contain any kind of tile (except for solitary radio buttons), including rows and other
columns.

A column without a box has no additional attributes beyond the standard layout attributes.

boxed_column

:boxed_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width

A boxed column is box like rectangular area with a border around it. All the tiles that is laid
inside will be in a column fashion. If a boxed_column has a label, the label (title) is embedden in
it on the top left corner of the box.

boxed_radio_column

:bosed_radio_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width


}

A boxed_radio_column is very similar to the boxed_column in all means except one function. It
encloses the radio_buttons in a column, at a point of time only one radio button can be selected.
You treat the label the same way that you would treat the label of a boxed column.

radio_column

:radio_column {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height width
}

A set of radio buttons arranged in a column.

row

: row {
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}
A row is like a column, but its tiles are laid out horizontally instead of vertically, in the order in
which appear in the DCL file.

A row without a box has no additional attributes beyond the standard layout attributes.

boxed_row


:boxed_radio_row {

alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width

}
A boxed row has a border around it. If a boxed row has a label, the label appears embedded in it.

boxed_radio_row

:boxed_radio_rwo {

alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width

}

A boxed radio row has a border around it. You treat the label the same way that you would treat
the label of a boxed row.

At any point of time only one radio_button can be selected indicating the option needed.


radio_row

:boxed_radio_row{
alignment fixed_height fixed_width height label width
}

A set of radio button arranged in a row.

SAMPLE PROGRAMS

This section gives you some sample DCL files. Try these first before creating any Dialogs of your
own on the exercises, and clearly understand each and every line in these programs. Follow the
instructions given.

Example: 01
/* this is a comment. . . .

A sample dialog which appears as shown in the figure. . .

The dialog name is mydial, and the coding is written in great.dcl. . .

*/

mydial:dialog {

label = “This is my first dialog box”; //heading of dialog

:text {
label = “Great ! You’ve done it. . . “;//text tile
}
ok_only;
} / / dialog ends here


 load_dialog

(load_dialog <dcl_file>

The dcl_file argument is a string that specifies the .dcl file to load. Returns a positive integer
value (dcl_id) if successful, and returns a negative integer if it can’t open the file. The dcl_id is
used as a handle in subsequent new_dialog and unload_dialog calls.

This function is the complement of unload_dialog.

Example:

(setq dcl_id (load_dialog “great.dcl”) ) returns 1

new_dialog

(new_dialog <dlg name> <dcl_id>

The glgname argument is a string that specifies the dialog box, and dcl_id identifies the .dcl file
(you must have obtained its value from the load_dialog call).

Example:

(new_dialog “mydial” dcl_id) displays the dialog on screen


Render Application Programming Interface
The application-programming interface (API) to AutoCAD Render is provided by an ADS application.
You can run AutoCAD Render commands from AutoLisp using (c: command) convention or through
ADS using ADS_invoke ().

Return values for the API

The AutoCAD Render API commands have three different return values that calling application can use
to determine if the command is successful
1. IF the command fails, the function returns nil in AutoLisp or a NULL result buffer pointer in ADS
2. If the command is successful, and the command returns explicit values, it returns a value like .03
3. If the command is successful, and the command returns nonexplicit values, the function returns! (in
ADS , this is a single result buffer with a restyle of RTSHORT and resval.rint=1)

The setting of RMan Prompting does not affect the Render API

FINISH Command

The finish command lets you add a new surface finish, and modify, delete, import-export, or attach an
existing finish.

(c: finish mode [options])

The FINISH command has EIGHT modes

1 “N” Create New Finish
SYNTAX: - (c: finish “N” name [ka [kd [ks [roughness [color]]]]])

2 “M” Modify existing finish

SYNTAX: - (c: finish “M” name [ka [kd [ks [roughness [color]]]]])

3 “D” Delete existing finish

SYNTAX: - (c: finish “D” name)

4 “R” Rename existing finish

SYNTAX: - (c: finish “R” old_name new_name)

5 “I” Import existing finish

SYNTAX: - (c: finish “I” name [overwrite])

6 “E” Export existing finish

SYNTAX: - (c: finish “E” name [overwrite])
7 “A” Attach existing finish to finish to entity or ACI
SYNTAX: - (c: finish “A” name [ACI]| [SELECTION_SET])

8 “L” List all finishes in the drawing or return a definition of the specified finish
SYNTAX: - (c: finish “L” name)


The FINISH command has following options

OPTION DESCRIPTION DEFAULT

NAME Unique finish name None

Ka Ambient factor .30

Kd Diffuse factor .70

Ks Specular factor .00

Roughness Roughness factor .10

Color Any RGB triplet Entity ACI

Overwrite Replace definition None

ACI AutoCAD color Index None

Selection Set Entities attached None

LIGHT Command

The LIGHT command lets you add a new light, and modify or delete an existing light.

(c: light mode [option])

This command is not allowed in paper space

The LIGHT command has NINE modes

1 “ND” New distant light

SYNTEX: - (c: light “ND” name [intensity])

2 “NP” New point light

SYNTEX: - (c: light “NP” name [intensity])

3 “NS” New spotlight

SYNTEX: - (c: light “NS” name [intensity])

4 “A” Set ambient light intensity

SYNTEX: - (c: light “A” [intensity])

5 “F” Set point light falloff

SYNTEX: - (c: light “F” [Falloff])

6 “M” Modify existing light

SYNTEX: - (c: light “M” name)


7 “D” Delete existing light
SYNTEX: - (c: light “D” name )

8 “R” Rename an existing light

SYNTEX: - (c: light “R” name)

9 “L” List all lights in the drawing or return a definition of the specified light
SYNTEX: - (c: light “L” name)

OPTION DESCRIPTION DEFAULT

Name Unique finish name none

Intensity Any positive real number or nil 1.00

Fall-off Point light fall-off . 1

From Light location Current look-from point

To Light target Current look-from point

Color Any RGB triplet 1.0,1.0,1.0

Depthmap Valid values are 0 to 6 0

Conea cone angle in degree (spot light) 10

Coned cone delta in degrees (spot light)0

Beamed Beam distribution (spot light) 0

RCONFIG Command

The RCONFIG command reconfigures your current rendering setup. Use following syntax:
(c: rconfig )

RENDER Command

The RENDER command renders the current scene.

(c: render)

RENDSCR Command

The RENDSCR command redisplays your last rendering

(c: rendscr )


REPLAY Command

The REPLAY command lets you display RND, TGA, TIFF, or GIF files on the AutoCAD rendering
display

(c: replay filename type [xoff yoff xsize ysize ])

The following table shows the REPLAY argument list.

OPTION DESCRIPTION DEFAULT

File-name Unique image filename None

Type Valid values are: GIF, TGA, None

TIFF, or RND

Xoff Image X offset in pixels 0

Yoff Image Y offset in pixels 0

Xsize Image X size pixels Image X size

Ysize Image y size pixels Image Y size

RPREF Command

When you use Render, the type of rendering AutoCAD produces depends on yours specified preferences.
The RPREF command lets you set these preferences

(c: rpref keyword [options ])

SAVEIMG Command

The SAVEIMG command lets you save any image in the framebuffer to a GIF, RND, TGA, or a TIFF file

(c: saveimg filename type [portion] [ xoff yoff xsize ysize ] [ compression ] )

when configured to render to a separate display,use the following syntax

(c: saveimg filename type [xoff yoff xsize ysize] [ compression ] )


OPTION DESCRIPTION DEFAULT

File-name Unique image filename None

Type Valid values are : GIF,TGA, None

TIFF, or RND

Portion Portion of the screen to save. “A”

Valid values are:
“A” (Active viewport)
“D” (Drawing viewport)
“F” (Full screen)

Xoff Image X offset in pixels 0

Yoff Image Y offset in pixels 0

Xsize Image X size pixels Image X size

Ysize Image y size pixels Image Y size

Compression Valid values are NONE, RLE

PACK, LZW& RLE

SCENE Command

A scene represents a particular view of any portion of the drawing including the whole drawing, together
with one or more lights . The SCENE command lets you create a new scene , or delete and modify an
existing scene .

(c: scene mode [options ] )

THE SCENE COMMAND has following modes

1 “N” Creates new scene

SYNTAX: - (c: scene “N” name [view [lights ] ] )

2 “M” Modifies existing scene

SYNTAX: - (c: scene “M” name [view [lights ] ] )

3 “D” Deletes existing scene

SYNTAX: - (c: scene “D” name )

4 “R” Rename existing scene

SYNTAX: - (c: scene “R” old_name new_name)

5 “S” Sets current scene

SYNTAX: - (c: scene “S” [ name ] )

6 “L” Lists all scenes in the drawing or return a definition of the specified scene


SYNTAX: - (c: scene “L” name )

STSTS Command

The STATS command provides information about your last rendering

( c: stats [filename ] )

AutoCAD SQL interface

The AutoCAD SQL Interface (ASI ) is programming library for accessing external databases from
AutoCAD . The AutoCAD SQL Extension user command set is an ADS application build with ASI.
ASI lets you access external database directly from AutoCAD using library unction supplied with
AutoCAD. ASI can provide simultaneous access to different database management systems from the
same program.
The ASI interface consists of two levels. The first level is driver that communicates with the
DBMS or with the database directly. The second level is a driver-independent library of functions that can
communicate with any driver. The main purpose of library is to handle communications between the
application program and multiple drivers. The driver performs syntax checking and execution of all the
SQL statements passed to it from the library.
Drivers include with the ASI are Dbase IV, DBASE III PLUS, INFORMIX, ORCALE, and PARADOX

ASI Files and Their Contents

ASI includes these files

1. ASI Object Library

ASI has three-object library

1. asiph.lib for the MetaWare compiler

2. asipw.lib for the WATCOM compiler
3. asi.a for the SPARC compiler

2. ASI Header Files

ASI has two header files

1. asi.h containing general-purpose definitions for ASI

2. asierr.h containing definitions of code values returned in asi_err()

ASI Functions

The ASI library contains functions that access the database by converting SQL expression to standard
data structures that are transferred to the driver

ASI Functions

ASI Deals with three types of data


Internal Data

ASI_SINT Internal integer

ASI_SREAL Internal real

ASI_SCHAR Internal array

ASI_SNULL Null value

Host variables

ASI_HINT int

ASI_HREAL double

ASI_HCHAR null terminated character string

ASI_HSHORT short

ASI_HLONG long

ASI_HFLONT float

SQL data types

ASI_CHAR CHARACTER

ASI_NUMERIC NUMERIC

ASI_DECIMAL DECIMAL

ASI_INTEGER INTEGER

ASI_SMALLINT SMALLINT

ASI_FLOAT FLOAT

ASI_REAL REAL

ASI_DOUBLE DOUBLE PRECISION


Database Processing

Interaction with any database is divided into seven steps

1. Connecting to database
2. Opening a communication handle
3. Compiling the original SQL statement
4. Executing the SQL statement
5. Fetching. This step follows the query execution
6. Closing a communication handle
7. Disconnecting from database

HANDLES

All ASI function passes information to each other by using handle. A handle is an ASI defined data
structure used for passing data back and forth between the application and the driver. There are three
types of handle

1. Driver Handle
Use of Driver handle is points to the active DBMS

2. Database Handle
Use of Database handle is points to the active database

3. Communication Handle
Use of Communication handle is points to the active row

Function Synopsis

This section consists of a synopsis of library functions, grouped by topic. Each function is followed by a
brief description

Driver-based Functions
ASI_CFGDRV Configures a driver

ASI_INITDRV Initializes a driver

ASI_INITSQL Sets up the environment

ASI_TERMALLDRV Terminates all drivers

ASI_TERMDRV Terminates a driver


ASI_TERMSQL Terminates the ASI interface

Processing Functions

ASI_BND Defines input buffers

ASI_CDS Gets description of a column

ASI_CEX Compiles and executes in one step

ASI_CHDL Closes a handle to a database

ASI_COLSDSC Gets full description of all columns in a query

ASI_COM Compiles a SQL statement

ASI_CMT Commits a transaction

ASI_CURROW Gets the current row number

ASI_CVL Gets a column value from current row

ASI_DEL Deletes the current row while fetching

ASI_DUPL_COLSDSCDuplicates the column descriptor list

ASI_EXE Executes a SQL statement

ASI_FBK Fetches in backward direction

ASI_FBR Fetches the bottom row

ASI_FET Fetches in the forward direction

ASI_FTR Fetches the top row

ASI_GETTABLE Get the results of query as a linked list

ASI_LON Logs on to a database

ASI_LOF Log off from a database

ASI_OHDL Opens a handle to a database

ASI_OPR Gets the stage of SQL statement processing

ASI_RBK Rolls back a transaction

ASI_RLS_COL_DSC Releases memory allocated by as_dupl_colsdsc

ASI_RLSTABLE Rrlrases memory allocated by asi_gettable


ASI_ROWQTY Gets number of rows in the selection set

ASI_SOB Sets output buffers

ASI_STM Gets the type of SQL statement

ASI_UPD Updates current row while fetching

Error Code Handling

ASI_ERR Gets an error code value

ASI_ERRMSG Gets an error message

ASI_SYNERRPOS Gets an SQL statement syntax error position

ASI_XERR Gets an error code value from the driver

SQL Statement Syntax

ASI and ASELQED support SQL syntax compatible with the ANSI X3.135-1989 SQL Standard. ASI is
also fully compatible with the ISO SQL Standard. A summary of SQL syntax and ASE SQL standards
follows. The SQL standard listed is not a complete listed is of the ANSI standard. Some commands are a
superset of the ANSI standard.

SYNTACTIC NOTATION

1. Elements enclosed in square brackets ([ ]) are optional

2. Elements with ellipses (...) following may be repeated one or more times
3. Elements enclosed in braces ({ } ) are listed in sequence

ADS-Defined AutoLISP functions

These functions are defined by the ADS program acadapp and only available if that program is loaded.
Before calling these functions, use the xload function to verify that acadapp is available.

1. (acad_colordlg colornum [flag])

Display the standard AutoCAD color selection dialogue box

The colornum argument is an integer in range 0-256

The acad_colordlg function returns the color number that the user selects via the OK button. If the user
cancels the dialogue box, acad_colordlg returns nil.

2. (acad_helpdlg helpfile topic)


Display the standard AutoCAD Help dialogues box using a specified file. You can call this function from
your AutoLISP routine to provide help on a standard AutoCAD command or own application specific
help.

3. (acad_strlsort list)

Sort a list of strings by alphabetical order. The list argument is the list of string to be sorted. The
acad_strlsort function returns a list of the same string in alphabetical order.

AutoLISP Access to ADS-defined Commands

These functions let you access ADS-defined AutoCAD commands from AutoLISP. They are available
only when the associated ADS program is loaded.
There are following functions in this sections

(align ss s1 d1 s2 d2 s3 d3 )

Uses the ALIGN command to perform a 3D move. If successful align returns T, otherwise it returns nil.

(bherrs)

Gets an error message generated by failed call to c: bhatch or c: bpoly. If successful, it sets the results
to contain the message string; otherwise, the result is nil.
The bherrs function is defined in acaddapp.exp.

(c:bhatch pt [ss] [vector])

calls the BHATCH command and performs a boundary hatch on the specified area. The c: bhatch
function is defined in acadapp.exp.

(c; ppoly pt [ss] [vector])

Calls the BPOLY command and creates a boundary Polyline. The c: bpoly function is defined in
acadapp.exp

(c: psdrag mode)

Calls the PSDRAG command and sets the integer value mode. The mode argument is an integer that
equals either 0 or 1. The c: psdrag function is defined in acadapp.exp.

(c: psfill ent pattern arg1 [arg2] ... )

Fill a polyline with a postscript file. The ent argument is the name of polyline. The pattern argument is a
string containing the name of the fill pattern. The pattren string must be identical to the name of fill
pattern defined in current acad.psf file.
(c: psin filename position scale)

Invokes the PSIN command to import an encapsulated PostScript (. eps) file. The position argument is a
point specifying the insertion point of the PostScript block.


(mirror3d ss str pt xy )

Uses the MIRROR3D command to mirror 3D object about an arbitrary 3D plane.

(rotate3d ss str pt xy)

Uses the ROTATE3D command to rotate 3D object an arbitrary 3D axis

(solxxx arg1 arg2 . . . )

Calls most REGION MODELER COMMANDS. Solxxx is name of a command; arg1 and arg2 are
ordinary AutoLISP expressions. The REGION MODELER supports the following commands in
AutoLISP.

Command Returned value

SOLAREA A real number

SOLFEAT A selection set

SOLIDIFY A selection set

SOLINT A selection set

SOLMASSP A list of mass properties

SOLMESH The number 1

SOLPURGE The number 1

SOLSEP The number 1

SOLSUB A selection set

SOLUNION A selection set

SOLVAR The value of the system variable

SOLWIRE The number 1


ADS LIBRARY EXTENSIONS
Externally Defined AutoCAD Functions
These functions are standard AutoCAD facilities externally defined by the ADS program acadapp. They
are available only if acadapp is loaded, which it is by default. You can invoke them via ads_invoke (), as
described here.

1. (acad_colordlg colornum [flag])

Display the standard AutoCAD color selection dialogue box

The colornum argument is an integer in range 0-256

The acad_colordlg function returns the color number that the user selects via the OK button. If the user
cancels the dialogue box, acad_colordlg returns nil.

2. (acad_helpdlg helpfile topic)

Display the standard AutoCAD Help dialogues box using a specified file. You can call this function from
your AutoLISP routine to provide help on a standard AutoCAD command or own application specific
help.

3. (acad_strlsort list)

Sort a list of strings by alphabetical order. The list argument is the list of string to be sorted. The
acad_strlsort function returns a list of the same string in alphabetical order

Error Handling

Use the error( ) function (in file calerr.c) to indicate error conditions, as shown in the previous code
samples. An error () call has this format:

Error (n, “error message”)

This function sets the global integer variable cal_err to the value of n, and display an error message. If
cal_err is already nonzero , the error () call has no effect. This avoids printing several error messages
caused by single error.

The “ERROR MESSAGE” string is used three ways, depending on the value of n:

1. If n is zero, error () prints the message string.

2. If n is the number of an error used by the standard calculator functions, error () prints the standard
error message, with the string inserted into the variable portion of the standard message, if any.


3. If n is less than zero, error() prints the negative number and ignores the message string. This is useful
for debugging and for reporting internal errors

The SAGET Library

The SAGET library enhances the functionality of the standard ADS library. It provides a set of input
functions equivalent to the standard ADS input functions ads_getxxx() plus some related utility
functions.

The extended user-input functions take exactly the same parameters and work exactly the same as their
ADS counterparts. However , they provide addional functionality, as follows:

1. Keyboard/AutoLISP input redirection

2. Geometry calculator support

3. Construction plane support

If you want to use the SAGET library in your ADS application, you must include the header file saget.c in
your source files and compile your ADS application along with the source files saget.c and util.c. you can
look at these source files to see how this library is implemented.

NOTE: ALL FIG. S COURTESY FROM AUTODESK MANUAL