For sometime now I have been debating on which program to learn. I know there are pros and cons to both languages. I would like to here some other peoples expierences with these languages so I can make an educated decision on it. So if yall could help me out in this situation it would be greatly appreciated. Basically I would like to see a forum discussion on the subject so everybodys opinions are welcome.
thanks
#2
Draftingallday,
The best option is to learn both VBA and Lisp because you can use the strengths for each language in your routines (this is called cross platform programming).
Each person must make their own decision based on their prior programming experience. As an example, a person with no programming experience is better learning Lisp because it can be tested at the command prompt within ICAD. The user can type (setq a 123) <Enter> and then type !a to retrieve the variable a also there are some brilliant Lisp programmers like avaernes on this forum that are willing to assist the new programmer. After getting started in Lisp the new programmer will need to learn DCL (Dialog Control Language) to create useful user interfaces.
VBA is very new to CAD and as such the learning resources are limited along with people to assist the new programmer when needed. VBA is not new to the Microsoft Office suite of products and I believe that VBA in Cad will have an automatic recording routine like VBA in Excel and Word. When this happens it will leave the new programmer with no choice and the only way will be VBA. I have just completed a VBA automation routine in Word with no real knowledge or understanding of Word’s Object Model with the aid of the recording feature. It was very easy because I was familiar with the VBA development environment (VBA IDE).
The next choice is how large will the programmer’s routines be and what speed will be needed? – No match because VBA is fast and runs just under the speed of C++.
Another consideration – will the programmer be selling the programs to others? VBA provides built-in security protection.
VBA will continue to evolve because Microsoft have committed to using it as the developers language for their Office products. Lisp has evolved into Visual Lisp (incorporated into AutoCAD) to increase speed and provide additional code security.
I think all CAD users should know some Lisp – the real question is How Much?
No doubt the debate will continue until one of the languages is developed and becomes clearly superior.
------------------
Regards
John Finlay
Don't want to post a question - email me direct on john@acecad.com.au
The best option is to learn both VBA and Lisp because you can use the strengths for each language in your routines (this is called cross platform programming).
Each person must make their own decision based on their prior programming experience. As an example, a person with no programming experience is better learning Lisp because it can be tested at the command prompt within ICAD. The user can type (setq a 123) <Enter> and then type !a to retrieve the variable a also there are some brilliant Lisp programmers like avaernes on this forum that are willing to assist the new programmer. After getting started in Lisp the new programmer will need to learn DCL (Dialog Control Language) to create useful user interfaces.
VBA is very new to CAD and as such the learning resources are limited along with people to assist the new programmer when needed. VBA is not new to the Microsoft Office suite of products and I believe that VBA in Cad will have an automatic recording routine like VBA in Excel and Word. When this happens it will leave the new programmer with no choice and the only way will be VBA. I have just completed a VBA automation routine in Word with no real knowledge or understanding of Word’s Object Model with the aid of the recording feature. It was very easy because I was familiar with the VBA development environment (VBA IDE).
The next choice is how large will the programmer’s routines be and what speed will be needed? – No match because VBA is fast and runs just under the speed of C++.
Another consideration – will the programmer be selling the programs to others? VBA provides built-in security protection.
VBA will continue to evolve because Microsoft have committed to using it as the developers language for their Office products. Lisp has evolved into Visual Lisp (incorporated into AutoCAD) to increase speed and provide additional code security.
I think all CAD users should know some Lisp – the real question is How Much?
No doubt the debate will continue until one of the languages is developed and becomes clearly superior.
------------------
Regards
John Finlay
Don't want to post a question - email me direct on john@acecad.com.au