Topic: FindFile() | FilerError

[BlackBox]

I am iterating a list of strings (files), and using HostApplicationServices.Current.FindFile() within a try block to search for each respective file in SFSP. This results in an Autodesk.AutoCAD.Runtime.Exception if no file is found as Kean illustrates here.

Am I missing something, or shouldn't FindFile() simply return null if no file is found? 

[dgorsman]

I think its fairly common coding practice to only return valid results, throwing an error rather than returning a null which would need to be tested for.  That way, a try/catch can handle a number of different possible problems (including "Dave's not here, man...").

[MexicanCustard]

RenderMan, looks like your running into the same problem I had with the property sets and AutoCAD API causing exceptions instead of returning results.

Why not use the .NET API System.IO.Directory or System.IO.File classes?

[BlackBox]

RenderMan, looks like your running into the same problem I had with the property sets and AutoCAD API causing exceptions instead of returning results.

As it happens, I wrote much of the OP in my last response to you in that thread, then felt that it would detract from your original topic (while loosely related), so I started a separate thread, given the Method specificity.

Why not use the .NET API System.IO.Directory or System.IO.File classes?

I'm searching the Support File Search Paths (SFSP) for a given Document.

Does System.IO offer such functionality for AutoCAD's SFSP, or would I have to parse, then iterate each path in SFSP + Application.GetSystemVariable("DWGPREFIX"), etc.?

[BlackBox]

Also, if I can use System.IO for a FindFile() alternative, I am not opposed as I am already including calls to File.GetAttributes, File.SetAttributes, File.Exists, File.Delete, File.Move, etc..

[TheMaster]

RenderMan, looks like your running into the same problem I had with the property sets and AutoCAD API causing exceptions instead of returning results.

As it happens, I wrote much of the OP in my last response to you in that thread, then felt that it would detract from your original topic (while loosely related), so I started a separate thread, given the Method specificity.

Why not use the .NET API System.IO.Directory or System.IO.File classes?

I'm searching the Support File Search Paths (SFSP) for a given Document.

Does System.IO offer such functionality for AutoCAD's SFSP, or would I have to parse, then iterate each path in SFSP + Application.GetSystemVariable("DWGPREFIX"), etc.?

It's probably easier to deal with the exception thrown by FindFile(), because I'm pretty sure that not all the paths it searches are actually included in DWGPREFIX.

[BlackBox]

As I understand it, DwgPrefix is searched before the first path in SFSP; which is the premis for how that Acad.lsp[fas] virus perpetuates.

Regarding the exception, I appreciate your clarifying... This is just something I'm now making peace with as I transition from using Nil with LISP, into .NET development. Each has their place, and with time I will better be able to negotiate logic and necessary exception handling.

Cheers! :beer:

[MexicanCustard]

I'm searching the Support File Search Paths (SFSP) for a given Document.

Does System.IO offer such functionality for AutoCAD's SFSP, or would I have to parse, then iterate each path in SFSP + Application.GetSystemVariable("DWGPREFIX"), etc.?

No, you would have to get the paths from AutoCAD and then retrieve all the filenames with System.IO.Directory.  It would add a couple of extra steps but it would avoid exception trapping if that bothers you.

[BlackBox]

I'm searching the Support File Search Paths (SFSP) for a given Document.

Does System.IO offer such functionality for AutoCAD's SFSP, or would I have to parse, then iterate each path in SFSP + Application.GetSystemVariable("DWGPREFIX"), etc.?

No, you would have to get the paths from AutoCAD and then retrieve all the filenames with System.IO.Directory.  It would add a couple of extra steps but it would avoid exception trapping if that bothers you.

No worries; I think this is just a bit of growing pains on my part as I learn a higher level language. I'm beginning to understand that there's more out there than Nil. 

FWIW - I've actually done this before (iterating SFSP in lieu of FindFile), in this old post... I had (unsuccessfully) tried to employ FindFile first and wasn't getting the desired results, but Gile got me squared away.