A Practical Guide to AutoCAD AutoLISP
Trevor Bousfield · 1998
From the Book: This book was written for a wide audience, in fact all the many thousands of AutoCAD users worldwide. Students in colleges and universities and experienced AutoCAD users can benefit from customisation in order to solve their specific problems. There is no doubt whatsoever of the rewards which will be experienced and gained from a small input which will confirm to the reader the true value of the high-level language AutoLISP. Students using AutoCAD will find this book invaluable, and in particular the section relating to the study of the City & Guilds schemes, the BTEC and SCOTVEC National and Higher National schemes, as well as under-graduates and post-graduates at higher education institutes and universities. The users of AutoCAD employed on a commercial basis will find this book a constant source of reference. Learning will take place by a series of worked examples all based on realistic practical tutorials selected from recent experience, and having meaningful value to the user in providing solutions to a specific problem. The book presumes that the reader will have access to a computer which is capable of running AutoCAD Release 12 or 13 under Windows or DOS, and have at least a basic knowledge of running the software for draughting purposes. The book presents a natural progression through the City & Guilds 4351 scheme, from the basic Computer aided draughting and design (4351-001) through Three-dimensional design (4351003) and Customisation and system management (4351-004), to AutoLISP Programming (4351-005). AutoLISP programs have been input either in the DOS version from the texteditor, or by using word processing software in `non-document' mode. Most word processors have this facility. The programs illustrated are available for download on the Internet; however, to fully understand the routines and create your own AutoLISP programs the creation and inputing from keyboard will need to be practised. The book has been written in three parts to cater for the varying needs of the reader. Part One AutoLISP in Action is written for the reader with little or no knowledge of AutoLISP. This section consists of exercises designed to demonstrate a series of basic rules necessary for the beginner in AutoLISP. Part Two Advanced AutoLISP can be the starting point for the more experienced AutoLISP user. Most of the exercises are graphical problems, as these tend to be more applicable to specific industrial problems and ideal for customisation. Both these parts have graded exercises at the end of each learning experience to help test the reader's knowledge. Part Three City & Guilds AutoLISP Programming is designed for the student who wishes to qualify for a City & Guilds AutoLISP Programming Certificate (C&G 4351-005). The text is written for external candidates as well as those studying on a recognised AutoCAD course within an institute. I wish to acknowledge the help that Neville Cumberland has given me in editing the text and preparing the illustrations, and would also like to acknowledge the considerable contribution made to the final editing by Brett Gilbert; not forgetting the continued support, over the years, of Joan, Ian and Howard. Trevor Bousfield June 1997 Internet The programs and macros included in this book are available on the Addison Wesley Longman website, at the following address: ftp://ftp.awl.co.uk/pub/awl-he/engineering/bousfield Information about this book and related titles can be found at the Longman Higher Education website: http://www.awl-he.com