Topic: Lynn Allen talking about AutoLISP...

[StykFacE]

It would be great if a few guys from here would make a tutorial explaining the VLIDE interface. Just watching over a virtual shoulder would explain so much and get some people a good jumpstart it would seem.

[curmudgeon]

on the Vlide interface, I am most happy to say I have my old autocad running quite nicely under Wine on Maverick Meerkat. but the Vlide interface has some bug. I have to close Vlisp to get autocad back, rather than being able to tweak and test immediately.

but maybe it will sharpen my skills, having a handicap.
 :ugly:

[JohnK]

Suggestion: Why don't you guys learn a Text Editor (instead of relying on the VLIDE); There are plenty to choose from (not so many Cross platform but there are some).

The reason I say that is because the VLIDE does not have a good editor (Its basically Windows Notepad with indents and colors). A good text editor is valuable beyond measure and will serve you very well.

I am sure you have seen me talk about the editor I use (Vim) before but have also heard of the steep learning curve...if you wanted to try out one of the two Cross platform "power" editors (Vim and Emacs) you can try Cream Vim--which is the Vim editor that replaces the "normal mode" (akin to paper space in AutoCAD sorta) with scripts--with a very small learning curve. Cream isnt Vim per'se (all the scripts in the world cant replace the usefullness of `normal mode') but it is a good start.

But anyways, im sure several other users will attest to the value of learning a good Text editor. I know several users use Ultraedit (I do not think it is Cross Platform though) and some use Notepad++ (I do not think that one is Cross Platform either though).

[danallen]

Textpad also, has syntax files for color display of autolisp.
http://www.textpad.com/add-ons/syna2g.html

[Kerry]

Suggestion: Why don't you guys learn a Text Editor (instead of relying on the VLIDE); There are plenty to choose from (not so many Cross platform but there are some).

The reason I say that is because the VLIDE does not have a good editor (Its basically Windows Notepad with indents and colors). A good text editor is valuable beyond measure and will serve you very well.
< ... >

You got one with integrated debugging capability and dynamic help , etc ...

I personally use UltraEditStudio for stuff crafted out of AutoCAD ... I'd use it more except for the lack of integration.

... but we've been having  this discussion for at least 15 years

[JohnK]

help-yes.
debugging-besides my brain, no.
etc-some, not all.
...but then I don't use "my" editor for just autolisp.

[JCTER]

notepad++ has LISP in it's languages.  I don't do LISP enough to be picky, and don't write large enough or intricate enough routines that it matters much to me, but it helps me remember to close my () which is all I really wanted.

[Lee Mac]

Lee, let me take this chance to tell you I appreciate your tutorials at your site, AND concur with your assessment of the difficulties inherent in "teaching" lisp.

Thanks curmudgeon 

[curmudgeon]

many thanks for the continuing thread - NOTEPAD++ RUNS NICELY UNDER WINE
and is therefore cross platform at least in theory. I had forgotten. I will install and test today.

confession:
I have not mastered all the commands yet, no surprise, but I actually use the Vlisp help file.

 

[alanjt]

I actually use the Vlisp help file.

No shame in that. If the help file wasn't there, I'd be completely lost. It's a pain remembering all that random syntax.

[Lee Mac]

I actually use the Vlisp help file.

No shame in that. If the help file wasn't there, I'd be completely lost. It's a pain remembering all that random syntax.

Me too - there's always a function that you don't use too regularly that requires looking up the syntax.

With all the talk about Editors in this thread, I still hold that the VLIDE is by far the best editor for AutoLISP - its got all the syntax highlighting, parenthesis matching, indentation and word completion but also has debugging facilities and demand-loading and a direct link to the help documentation - all of which makes everything much quicker.

Notepad++ is also a great free editor, I use it for writing the code for my site. I would note that although it has LISP as one of its supported languages, this is Common LISP and hence won't highlight those functions specific to AutoLISP. Of course, that doesn't stop you adding the AutoLISP syntax to the language file...

[JCTER]

Notepad++ is also a great free editor, I use it for writing the code for my site. I would note that although it has LISP as one of its supported languages, this is Common LISP and hence won't highlight those functions specific to AutoLISP. Of course, that doesn't stop you adding the AutoLISP syntax to the language file...

HTML/PHP/CSS is actually what got me started loving Notepadd++

[MP]

ultra edit > everything else

of course, productivity and writing pleasure is not everything

[curmudgeon]

HTML/PHP/CSS is actually what got me started loving Notepadd++

I have not done enough to have a firm opinion on HTML/PHP/CSS, but if you get a minute, you might also check out Kompozer.
I stuttered a bit installing Notepad++ on Linux, because you don't have to install it. One of those old fashioned Windows programs where you just execute the EXE file. Too simple for my old gray cells.

I LOVE THE WAY IT COLLAPSES NESTED STATEMENTS.
that is one thing Vlisp never did.

onward. someone drink a beer for me.   

[curmudgeon]

Of course, that doesn't stop you adding the AutoLISP syntax to the language file...

give me a rain check on that one. I'll be back.