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Just like any software plugin, an autocad plugin is a computer program that extends the capability of the autocad software. In windows softwares, plugins are computer programs that have an extension '.dll' which stands for dynamic link libraries. In autocad, autocad plugins have extension '.arx' which stands for Autocad Runtime Extension.
Actually, '.arx' programs are also dynamic link libraries. In fact when these programs are compiled from C++ programming language, the compiler outputs a default file with '.dll' file extension. Autocad plugin programmers are encouraged to replace the extension with '.arx' to distinguish the program as an autocad runtime extension. These autocad plugins are also called ObjectArx programs.
There are actually other types of computer programs that can extend autocad capability aside from ObjectArx programs. These are the LISP and VB programs. However, these programs don't have as much power as the ObjectArx programs. In fact, these programs are not called plugins but simply autocad automation scripts. Though they can also be compiled into
binary files, their script form is more than enough to serve its purpose. ObjectArx applications are strictly in binary file because they must be written in C++ language and therefore must be compiled into binary files.
Autocad plugin programmers use the Microsoft Visual C++ IDE to write and complile their plugins. They also have an above-average level of mastery of the C++ language. Most importantly, they master the ObjectArx API (application programming interface) which contains the classes and functions needed to control autocad and add more powerful functionality to it.
So what are the capabilities that an autocad plugin add to an existing autocad software? Well, it simply adds custom commands to your favorite autocad command list. How long does it take you draw a grid of horizontal and vertical lines
that vary in spacing? Using the primitive command, you will draw a line, type offset command, enter distance, offset, enter distance, offset...you do this long, boring and tiresome routine over and over. With an autocad plugin, you just type the custom command (say 'cells' for the superdraftsman_commands.arx found in this blog/website) of an autocad plugin and enter the different dimensions and you are done!. The grid lines with varying spacing are on the screen just like magic! Do you want to draw a window elevations? Just type custom command 'window' of an autocad plugin, enter the required dimensions and voila your window elevation appears right there on the center of your computer screen! The amount of time and effort save is so big that instead of spending time on drafting, you will now spend more time on your design!
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