Arbitrary Keyboard Input

Keyword Options

Control of User-Input Function Conditions

Input Validation

 

AutoLISP Developer's Guide > Using the AutoLISP Language > Using AutoLISP to Communicate with AutoCAD > Getting User Input > Control of User-Input Function Conditions > 

Arbitrary Keyboard Input

The initget function also allows arbitrary keyboard input to most getxxx functions. This input is passed back to the application as a string. An application using this facility can be written to permit the user to call an AutoLISP function at a getxxx function prompt.

These functions show a method for allowing AutoLISP response to a getxxx function call:

(defun C:ARBENTRY ( / pt1) 

  (initget 128)                     ; Sets arbitrary entry bit 

  (setq pt1 (getpoint "\nPoint: ")) ; Gets value from user. 

  (if (= 'STR (type pt1))           ; If it's a string, convert it

    (setq pt1 (eval (read pt1)))    ; to a symbol, try evaluating

                                    ; it as a function; otherwise,

    pt1                             ; just return the value. 

  )

)

(defun REF ( )

  (setvar "LASTPOINT" (getpoint "\nReference point: "))

  (getpoint "\nNext point: " (getvar "LASTPOINT"))

)

If both the C:ARBENTRY and REF functions are loaded into the drawing, the following command sequence is acceptable.

Command: arbentry

Point: (ref)

Reference point: Select a point

Next point: @1,1,0