AutoCAD Platform Customization. Ambrosius Lee

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СКАЧАТЬ only) In this chapter, you will learn how to use ActiveX/COM libraries with AutoLISP. ActiveX provides access to additional functions, which allow for the creation and manipulation of drawing objects and AutoCAD application settings that aren't easily accessible with standard AutoLISP functions. External applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, can also be accessed from the AutoCAD program when using ActiveX.

       Chapter 23 : Implementing Dialog Boxes (Windows only) In this chapter, you will learn how to create and use dialog boxes with an AutoLISP program. Dialog boxes provide an alternative method of requesting input from the user and are implemented using Dialog Control Language (DCL).

Part III: AutoCAD VBA: Programming with VBA and ActiveX (Windows only)

       Chapter 24 : Understanding the AutoCAD VBA Environment In this chapter, you'll get an introduction to the Visual Basic Editor. I begin by showing you how to verify whether the VBA environment for AutoCAD has been installed and, if not, how to install it. After that, you are eased into navigating the Visual Basic Editor and managing VBA programs. The chapter wraps up with learning how to execute macros and access the help documentation.

       Chapter 25 : Understanding Visual Basic for Applications In this chapter, you'll learn the fundamentals of the VBA programming language and how to work with objects. VBA fundamentals include a look at the syntax and structure of a statement, how to use a function, and how to work with variables. Beyond syntax and variables, you learn to group multiple statements into custom procedure.

       Chapter 26 : Interacting with the Application and Documents Objects In this chapter, you'll learn to work with the AutoCAD application and manage documents. Many of the tasks you perform with an AutoCAD VBA program require you to work with either the application or a document. For example, you can get the objects in a drawing and even access end-user preferences. Although you typically work with the current document, VBA allows you to work with all open documents and create new documents. From the current document, you can execute commands and work with system variables from within a VBA program, which allows you to leverage and apply your knowledge of working with commands and system variables.

       Chapter 27 : Creating and Modifying Drawing Objects In this chapter, you'll learn to create and modify graphical objects in model space with VBA. Graphical objects represent the drawing objects, such as a line, an arc, or a circle. The methods and properties of an object are used to modify and obtain information about the object. When working with the objects in a drawing, you can get a single object or step through all objects in a drawing.

       Chapter 28 : Interacting with the User and Controlling the Current View In this chapter, you'll learn to request input from an end-user and manipulate the current view of a drawing. Based on the values provided by the end-user, you can then determine the end result of the program. You can evaluate the objects created or consider how a drawing will be output, and use that information to create named views and adjust the current view in which objects are displayed.

       Chapter 29 : Annotating Objects In this chapter, you'll learn how to create and modify annotation objects. Typically, annotation objects are not part of the final product that is built or manufactured based on the design in the drawing. Rather, annotation objects are used to communicate the features and measurements of a design. Annotation can be a single line of text that is used as a callout for a leader, a dimension that indicates the distance between two drill holes, or a table that contains quantities and information about the windows and doors in a design.

       Chapter 30 : Working with Blocks and External References In this chapter, you'll learn how to create, modify, and manage block definitions. Model space in a drawing is a special named block definition, so working with block definitions will feel familiar. Once you create a block definition, you will learn how to insert a block reference and work with attributes along with dynamic properties. You complete the chapter by learning how to work with externally referenced files.

       Chapter 31 : Outputting Drawings In this chapter, you will learn how to output the graphical objects in model space or on a named layout to a printer, plotter, or electronic file. Named layouts will be used to organize graphical objects for output, including title blocks, annotation, floating viewports, and many others. Floating viewports will be used to control the display of objects from model space on a layout at a specific scale. After you define and configure a layout, you learn to plot and preview a layout. The chapter wraps up with learning how to export and import file formats.

       Chapter 32 : Storing and Retrieving Custom Data In this chapter, you will learn how to store custom information in a drawing or in the Windows Registry. Using extended data (Xdata), you will be able to store information that can be used to identify a graphical object created by your program or define a link to a record in an external database. In addition to attaching information to an object, you can store data in a custom dictionary that isn't attached to a specific graphical object in a drawing. Both Xdata and custom dictionaries can be helpful in making information available between drawing sessions; the Windows Registry can persist data between sessions.

       Chapter 33 : Modifying the Application and Working with Events In this chapter, you will learn how to customize and manipulate the AutoCAD user interface. You also learn how to load and access externally defined custom programs and work with events. Events allow you to respond to an action that is performed by the end-user or the AutoCAD application. There are three main types of events that you can respond to: application, document, and object.

       Chapter 34 : Creating and Displaying User Forms In this chapter, you will learn how to create and display user forms. User forms provide a more visual approach to requesting input from the user.

       Chapter 35 : Communicating with Other Applications In this chapter, you will learn how to work with libraries provided by other applications. These libraries can be used to access features of the Windows operating system, read and write content in an external text or XML file, and even work with the applications that make up Microsoft Office.

       Chapter 36 : Handling Errors and Deploying VBA Projects In this chapter, you will learn how to catch and handle errors that are caused by the incorrect use of a function or the improper handling of a value that is returned by a function. The Visual Basic Editor provides tools that allow you to debug code statements, evaluate values assigned to user-defined variables, identify where within a program an error has occurred, and determine how errors should be handled. The chapter wraps everything up with learning how to deploy a VBA project on other workstations for use by individuals at your company.

      Bonus Chapter 1: Working with 2D Objects and Object Properties In this chapter, you build on the concepts covered in Chapter 27, “Creating and Modifying Drawing Objects.” You will learn to create additional types of 2D objects and use advanced methods of modifying objects, СКАЧАТЬ