2012

function ensures that AutoCAD loads the AutoLISP functions that are needed
for proper operation of a menu.
This function ensures that AutoCAD loads the AutoLISP functions that are
needed for proper operation of a menu. For example, the default AutoCAD
customization file, acad.cui, relies on the file acad.mnl. This file defines
numerous AutoLISP functions used by the menu. The MNL file is loaded after
the acaddoc.lsp file.
NOTE If a customization file is loaded with the AutoLISP command function—with
syntax similar to (command "menu" "newmenu")—the associated MNL file is not
loaded until the entire AutoLISP routine has run.
In this example, calls to the princ function can be used to display status
messages. The first use of princ displays the following at the command prompt:
Newmenu utilities… Loaded.
The second call to princ exits the AutoLISP function. Without this second
call to princ, the message would be displayed twice. As mentioned previously,
you can include the onfailure argument with calls to the load function as
an extra precaution.
Prevent AutoLISP Errors When Loading Startup Files
See also:
■
S::STARTUP Function: Postinitialization Execution on page 442
If an AutoLISP error occurs while you are loading a startup file, the remainder
of the file is ignored and is not loaded.
Files specified in a startup file that do not exist or that are not in the AutoCAD
library path generally cause errors. Therefore, you may want to use the
onfailure argument with the load function. The following example uses the
onfailure argument:
(princ (load "mydocapp1" "\nMYDOCAPP1.LSP file not loaded."))
(princ (load "build" "\nBUILD.LSP file not loaded."))
(princ (load "counter" "\nCOUNTER.LSP file not loaded."))
(princ)
If a call to the load function is successful, it returns the value of the last
expression in the file (usually the name of the last defined function or a
message regarding the use of the function). If the call fails, it returns the value
Automatically Load and Run AutoLISP Routines | 441