AutoLISP Programming with Visual Studio Code & Notepad++

Wednesday at 07:10 PM

I am currently learning AutoLISP programming. I am using Notepad but would like to switch to Visual Studio Code or Notepad++. I tried to find tutorial videos on YouTube but couldn’t find any. I have installed Visual Studio Code with the AutoLISP extension and Notepad++, but I am still struggling to run any programs. Can anyone please explain how to use these code editors for AutoLISP programming or provide links to tutorial videos on YouTube?

Wednesday at 08:09 PM

Hello
If you want to program in lisp it is better to do it from the Visual Lisp IDE.
To open it, simply write on the command line: vlide

And press ENTER

2025-02-20T02:45:32Z

I use Notepad++ and it has a plugin for ActiveX which allows you to run the lisp code in Autocad, whilst testing etc.

You can set language to lisp so it does color changing of the code as well as bracket checking.

I use Bricscad now so the Active X stopped working so I often use Cut and paste to command line. But I have been programming for like 40 years so understand how to do that.

2025-02-20T08:43:34Z

for VSCode setting up the extension for debugging is very easy with the newer versions. take a look here, you just need to specify the version and the path.
https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2024/DEU/?guid=GUID-A7CC8D30-D74E-418A-9F03-51878E512163

2025-02-20T10:20:35Z

Weirdly for learning I would recommend old fashioned notepad, it takes no prisoners and gives no help... but you learn quickly with it.

2025-02-20T19:46:20Z

9 hours ago, Steven P said:

Weirdly for learning I would recommend old fashioned notepad, it takes no prisoners and gives no help... but you learn quickly with it.

Respectfully Disagree. I understand where you're going with this, but imagine trying to code in .Net, C++, etc. without a good IDE. Better to use the tools out there that are free and easy!

Personally I am kinda rogue - I use PSPad with the syntax file that I have been maintaining for the developer. PSPad is not perfect, but I know it very well and can work quickly in it.

Notepad++ is also an excellent editor. There are several other that also work well, depending on the preference of the user.

For newbies, I would say use VS Code - It is a good editor and will always be up to date with all the internal functions.

2025-02-20T22:21:32Z

Not a problem, just for learning the basic foundations it is what I would suggest. Programming in anger or even being paid for it, quick and efficient is the way to go, use all the tools available, but built on some solid understanding of the basic commands