Introduction (AutoLISP)

For years, AutoLISP ^® has set the standard for customizing and extending the AutoCAD ^® program while Visual LISP ^® (VLISP) extends the functionality of AutoLISP by adding additional capabilities. Some of the functionality of Visual LISP extends the core functionality of the standard AutoLISP programming language available on Windows and Mac OS, but much of the functionality is available on Windows only as it requires the Microsoft ActiveX ^® Automation interface.

Custom AutoLISP programs can be written using a wide range of tools:

• Basic ASCII text editors, such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac OS
• Microsoft Visual Studio Code with the AutoLISP Extension installed on Windows or Mac OS
• Visual LISP integrated development environment (IDE) on Windows only
• Third-party editors