Expert: Bill DeShawn - 2/22/2008

Question
I am new to this custmization , I worked on .net platform
I want to know that if we want to add the extra utility in AutoCAD then wch programming interface is best suited for me . I hav option like:
1. VBA
2..net
3.Object ARX
4.ActiveX

Answer
Prabhav:

As a new customizer, and faced with the decision of one method or another, your decision is not an easy one.  There is AutoLISP, Vlisp (which employs AciveX and VBA-like commands), VBA, ARX, Diesel, and Scripts.  If you have lots of time to study, then, of course VBA and ARX are the best.  Mastering VBA and ARX will give you the abilty to understand Visual Basic and C++ which will enable you to write programs not only for AutoCAD but Visual Basic and C++ programs for Windows as well.  I regret never having learned Visual Basic and C++.  I didn't have enough time to study, because I had to devote my time to production.  Therefore, for me, I learned basic AutoLISP, Diesel, menu macros, and scripts.  You can do a lot with that, although there are Visual Basic routines that I have at the courtesy of others, that have helped me in tasks that I can't get done via AutoLISP.  .Net customization sounds to me like something apropriate for your platform.  If you learn it, and someday down the road you no longer are working for the same company, or for some reason you are no longer using that platform, your ability to customize will be greatly diminished.  If your work-day is short (8-hours) and you can devote at least two hours study-time each night without interruption, and can do that for the next two years, then VBA is an excellent choice.  It also is very important to learn menu customization with Diesel Expressions as well.  The big choice is LISP or VBA.  It's not impossible to learn it all, but you might have to "live like a hermit with a job" for the next few years while your learning.  

I hope I've given you enough information upon which to base your decision.  Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn