AutoLISP is a dialect of Lisp programming language built specifically for use with the full version of AutoCAD and its derivatives,
which include AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD Mechanical. Neither the application programming interface nor the interpreter to execute AutoLISP code are included in the AutoCAD LT product line.
AutoLISP is a small, dynamically scoped LISP (list processing language). It lacks modern LISP features such as a macro system, settable list structure or let bindings. Aside from the core language, most of the primitive functions are for geometry or the manipulation of graphical entities in AutoCAD. The properties of these graphical entities are revealed to AutoLISP as association lists in which AutoCAD “group codes” are paired with values that indicate properties such as points, radii, colors, layers, linetypes, etc. AutoCAD loads AutoLISP code from .LSP files.
AutoLISP code can interact with the user through primitive functions that allow the user to input points, selection sets, numbers and other data. AutoLisp also has a built in GUI mini-language, the Dialog Control Language, for creating interactive forms within AutoCAD.
An AutoLISP program can:
Access built-in AutoCAD commands and system variables directly
Modify or create objects directly in the drawing database
Prompt the user for input at the Command prompt or with a dialog box using DCL (Dialog Control Language)
Programs written using AutoLISP can be stored in external files and loaded into the product when needed. These file formats can be used to store AutoLISP programs:
AutoLISP Source Code (.lsp) file—an ASCII text file that contains AutoLISP program code
Fast-load AutoLISP (.fas) file—a binary, compiled version of a single LSP program file
Visual LISP Compiled (.vlx) file—a compiled set of one or more LSP and DCL files
If you are new to AutoLISP programming, check out these tutorials to learn the fundamentals:
Tutorial: Getting Started
Tutorial: Creating a New Custom Command and Controlling with System Variables
Tutorial: Creating, Loading, and Opening an AutoLISP File
For additional information and known limitations with using AutoLISP in AutoCAD LT, see the AutoLISP Developer’s Guide.
AutoLISP is based on the LISP programming language, which is simple to learn and very powerful for automating design tasks. Because AutoCAD has a built-in LISP interpreter, you can enter AutoLISP code at the Command prompt or load AutoLISP code from external files.
Note: Even if you are not interested in learning to write AutoLISP applications, the product includes many useful routines. AutoLISP applications are also available for download from the Internet or third-party developers. Knowing how to load and use these routines can enhance your productivity.
When an AutoLISP application is loaded, it functions in its own namespace for each drawing that is open. A namespace is an insulated environment keeping AutoLISP applications that are specific to one drawing from having symbol or variable name and value conflicts with those in another drawing. For example, the following line of code sets a different value to the symbol a when executed in each open drawing.
AutoLISP applications can prompt the user for input, access built-in AutoCAD commands directly, and modify or create objects directly in the drawing database. By creating AutoLISP routines you can add discipline-specific or workflow driven commands to AutoCAD. Some of the standard AutoCAD commands are actually AutoLISP applications.
You may choose to experiment by entering code at the Command prompt, which allows you to see the results immediately. This makes AutoLISP an easy language to experiment with, regardless of your programming experience.
AutoLISP provides three file formats for applications:
AutoLISP Source Code (.lsp) file—an ASCII text file that contains AutoLISP program code.
Fast-load AutoLISP (.fas) file—a binary, compiled version of a single LSP program file.
Visual LISP Compiled (.vlx) file—a compiled set of one or more LSP and/or dialog control language (DCL) files.
AutoLISP is a related programming languages used for automation and customization within AutoCAD:
— AutoLISP is the core scripting language used in AutoCAD. It has been part of AutoCAD since its early versions.
— AutoLISP is a dialect of the Lisp programming language, specifically tailored for AutoCAD.
— It primarily involves working with text-based code files (.lsp) that can be loaded into AutoCAD using the `load` command.
— AutoLISP can be used to create custom commands, functions, and routines that extend AutoCAD’s functionality.
— It is a text-based scripting language and does not have a dedicated integrated development environment (IDE).
AutoLISP is a dialect of the programming language Lisp built specifically for use with the full version of AutoCAD and its derivatives, which include AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD Mechanical.
1 What is AutoLISP command in AutoCAD?
2 How do I use AutoLISP in AutoCAD?
3 What is AutoLISP based on?
4 What is debugging in AutoLISP?
5 What is LISP full form?
6 What is Visual LISP?
7 How do I write a script in AutoCAD?
8 How do I run a LISP file?
9 What are LISP files?
10 Can we do programming in AutoCAD?
11 How do I check my LISP routine?
12 How do I use Visual LISP editor?
13 How the files are specified in autolisp Mcq?
14 What is SETQ in Lisp?
15 What is Oops full form?
What is AutoLISP command in AutoCAD?
What is AutoLISP? AutoLISP is a popular high-level language used for programming in CAD Packages such as AutoCAD, BricsCAD or ZWCAD. Using AutoLISP, you can create customised CAD commands to perform actions in order to generate the desired output. AutoLISP comes already loaded with a full version of AutoCAD.