2000

AutoCAD 2000 Preview Guide Page 31 00000-005000-5513
GREATER CUSTOMIZATION AND EXTENSIBILITY
Connecting AutoCAD to your needs has never been easier
AutoCAD software has always been open and easily extensible, but never more so than with AutoCAD
2000. The addition of the Visual LISP API to AutoCAD 2000, for example, not only updates the
AutoLISP environment, it also greatly expands AutoCAD ActiveX support by including additional
ActiveX objects and events. AutoCAD 2000 has also enhanced its VBA functionality, supporting
multiple VBA projects and providing the ability to embed VBA projects inside AutoCAD drawing files.
Developers can now use ObjectARX 3.0 to derive from base classes in the ObjectARX database for all
AutoCAD objects.
Integrated Visual LISP Development Environment
The modern Visual LISP Integrated Development Environment (IDE) makes it easier and faster for users
and developers alike to create, debug, and deliver AutoLISP-based applications. With the extensive
Visual LISP feature set, LISP function set, object reactors, LISP access to AutoCAD ActiveX objects,
and other functionality, customizing AutoCAD 2000 has never been simpler.
Major Visual LISP features and benefits include:
•
Performance. Visual LISP provides new ways to develop LISP customization by using objects. These new
methods of using ActiveX offer significant performance gains over the conventional “procedural” methods
utilized in AutoLISP.
•
Ease of Use. The Visual LISP IDE has:
! An AutoLISP code editor with color-coded source display for easier-to-read code.
! A source syntax checker that reduces syntax errors.
! Autoformat and Smart Indent features that promote standardization and readability.
! Dynamic symbol completion that saves time and reduces errors.
! Program structure navigation for easier editing.
! Direct LISP function evaluation that reduces code errors.
! Unlimited number of opened source files for more efficient code development.
•
Security. You can compile LISP source code into object code, which provides a non-ASCII P-code format
that protects your software, algorithms, and intellectual property from theft, tampering, and unauthorized
editing.