2012

Overview of ObjectARX
ObjectARX
®
(AutoCAD for Mac Runtime Extension) is a compiled-language
programming environment for developing AutoCAD for Mac applications.
The ObjectARX programming environment allows you to load and run your
compiled projects in the same address space as AutoCAD for Mac. This allows
your programs to operate directly with core AutoCAD for Mac data structures
and code.
The ObjectARX libraries allow you to take advantage of the AutoCAD for Mac
open architecture, providing direct access to the AutoCAD for Mac database
structures, graphics system, and AutoCAD for Mac geometry engine to extend
AutoCAD for Mac classes and capabilities at runtime. Additionally, you can
define new commands that operate exactly the same way as native AutoCAD
for Mac commands.
You can use ObjectARX libraries in conjunction with AutoLISP, enabling
cross-API integration.
The ObjectARX programming environment is described in the ObjectARX
Developer's Guide. The documentation is part of the ObjectARX Software
Development Kit (SDK), which can be downloaded from the Development
Tools section of the Autodesk website.
Use ObjectARX Applications
To load an ObjectARX application, you use the Load option of the ARX
command. After loading, all commands defined by this application are
available at the command prompt.
Some ObjectARX applications use large amounts of system memory. If you
are finished using an application and want to remove it from memory, use
the Unload option of ARX.
You can also load an ObjectARX application with the arxload AutoLISP
function. The syntax for the arxload function is almost identical to that of
the load function used with AutoLISP files. If the arxload function loads the
ObjectARX program successfully, it returns the program name. The syntax for
the arxload function is as follows:
(arxload
filename [onfailure]
86 | Chapter 7 Introduction to Programming Interfaces