2013

Overview of ObjectARX
ObjectARX
®
(AutoCAD Runtime Extension) is a compiled-language
programming environment for developing AutoCAD applications. The
ObjectARX programming environment allows you to load and run your
compiled projects in the same address space as AutoCAD. This allows your
programs to operate directly with core AutoCAD data structures and code.
The ObjectARX libraries allow you to take advantage of the AutoCAD open
architecture, providing direct access to the AutoCAD database structures,
graphics system, and AutoCAD geometry engine to extend AutoCAD classes
and capabilities at runtime. Additionally, you can define new commands that
operate exactly the same way as native AutoCAD 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 arxloadfunction 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]
)
88 | Chapter 7 Introduction to Programming Interfaces