AutoCAD 2000 AutoLISP with Visual LISP
AutoCAD Training Overview

Learning AutoLISP is radically different from learning AutoCAD. AutoLISP is a programming language with its own commands, its own structure, and its own syntax. However, AutoLISP knowledge, AutoCAD operators can amplify their powers with AutoCAD.

AutoCAD Training Topics

  • Getting started with AutoLISP
  • Creating usable AutoLISP routines
  • Creating lists and error trapping
  • Repeating actions and branching
  • Accessing the drawing database
  • Data formatting and text files
  • Debugging with Visual LISP
AutoCAD Training Course Duration

32 hours

AutoCAD Training Course outline

Module 1: Getting Started with AutoLISP

    Section 1: The Four Principles of AutoLISP
    • AutoCAD and AutoLISP are Two Separate Programs
    • AutoLISP Evaluates every Expression
    • Every List is Evaluated in the Same Specific Manner
    • AutoLISP Distinguishes among Several Data Types
    • Self Check: Four Principles of AutoLISP
    Section 2: Basic AutoLISP Functions

    • Assigning Values to Symbols
    • Executing AutoCAD Commands through AutoLISP
    • Storing and Setting AutoCAD's System Variables
    • Self Check: Basic AutoLISP Functions
Module 2: Creating Usable AutoLISP Routines
    Section 1: Setting Up an AutoLISP Routine

    • Typical Structure of a Routine
    • Prompting for User Input
    • Creating an AutoLISP File
    • Self Check: Setting up an AutoLISP Routine
    Section 2: Working with AutoLISP Files

    • Loading an AutoLISP File
    • Using the Visual LISP Console Window
    • Troubleshooting AutoLISP Files
    • Defining AutoLISP Functions
    • Creating AutoCAD Command Functions
    • Automatic Loading of LISP Files
    • Utility Functions to Improve Performance
    • Self Check: Working with AutoLISP Files
Module 3: Creating Lists and Error Trapping
    Section 1: Creating Lists

    • Telling AutoLISP Not to Evaluate an Expression
    • Creating a Point List from Symbols
    • Extracting Elements from a List
    • Using Additional Point List Functions
    • Self Check: Creating Lists
    Section 2: Error-Trapping Functions

    • Restricting Acceptable Input Values
    • Limiting Acceptable String Input Values
    • Good AutoLISP Programming Techniques

    • Self Check: Error-Trapping Functions
Module 4: Repeating Actions and Branching
    Section 1: Simple Looping Functions

    • The Simplest Looping Function: (repeat)
    • Processing the Elements of a List
    • Creating a List of Points
    Section 2: Advanced Looping and Branching

    • Conditional Expressions
    • A More Versatile Loop: the (while) Function
    • The Simplest Program Branch: the (if) Function
    • A More Versatile Program Branch: the (cond) Function
    • Self Check: Advanced Looping and Branching
Module 5: Accessing the Drawing Database
    Section 1: Manipulating Individual Objects

    • Entity Names
    • The Entity Definition List
    • Association Lists
    • Changing Entity Properties
    • Review of Entity Modification
    • Creating Entities
    • Self Check: Manipulating Individual Objects
    Section 2: Selection Sets and Symbol Tables

    • Creating a Selection Set in AutoLISP
    • Manipulating Selection Sets
    • Processing Entities within a Selection Set
    • Creating Selection Sets Using Filters
    • Additional Filter Options for (ssget)
    • Combining Entity Selection and Filter Lists
    • Accessing Symbol Tables
    • Modifying Table Entries
    • Self Check: Selection Sets and Symbol Tables
Module 6: Data Formatting and Text Files
    Section 1: Data Manipulation Tools

    • Working with String Data
    • Formatting Strings with Control Codes
    • Converting Data Types
    • Advanced List Functions
    • Self Check: Data Manipulation Tools
    Section 2: Advanced File Handling

    • Working with External Files
    • Reading and Writing ASCII Text Files
    • Printing Information to Files
    • Dialog File Access
    • Converting Lists to Strings Using an External File
    • Self Check: Advanced File Handling
Module 7: Debugging with Visual LISP
    Section 1: Debugging Features

    • Searching the AutoLISP File
    • Halting the Program
    • Inspecting Values
    • Watching Evaluations
    • Self Check: Debugging with Visual LISP
Appendix: Optional Topics
  • Angles in AutoLISP
  • Accessing Subentities
  • Extracting Subentity Names
  • Extracting Block Entities
  • Accessing Subentities (Alternate)
  • Accessing Subentities without User Input
Skills Assessment

Contact Information
WINTRAC INC. - the one stop shopping center for IT training.
16523 S.W. McGwire Ct. Beaverton OR -97007
Phone: (503) 259-0312
Fax: 707-598-2268
Email: sales@wintrac.com

Send mail to webmaster@wintrac.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 Wintrac Inc.