Understanding the Visual LISP Text Editor

The VLISP text editor is much more than a writing tool, it's a central component of the VLISP programming environment. To appreciate the versatility and value of the VLISP text editor, you need to be familiar with the AutoLISP language. If you are not yet familiar with AutoLISP, you can learn the basics in chapter 8, AutoLISP Basics and find additional information in chapter 9, Using AutoLISP to Communicate with AutoCAD and chapter 10, Using AutoLISP to Manipulate AutoCAD Objects

Here are some of the major features of the text editor:

Color Coding of Files

The text editor identifies different parts of an AutoLISP program and assigns distinct colors to them. This allows you to find program components easily such as function calls and variable names, and helps you find typographical errors.

Formatting of Text

The text editor can format AutoLISP code for you, making the code easier to read. You can choose from a number of different formatting styles.

Parenthesis Matching

AutoLISP code contains many parentheses, and the editor helps you detect missing parentheses by finding the close parenthesis that goes with an open parenthesis.

Execution of AutoLISP Expressions

You can test expressions and lines of code without leaving the text editor.

Multiple File Searching

The text editor can search for a word or expression in several files with a single command.

Syntax Checking of AutoLISP Code

The text editor can evaluate AutoLISP code and highlight syntax errors.

Details on using the VLISP text editor begin with Using the Text Editor.