I don't know anything about programming, please help me

I having used 3D modeling software and Auto-cad in the past, I know how to design complex models using the features provided in the tool-bars but I have never even heard about programming using things like VBA until randomly running into it on the internet.

Could somebody please tell me what exactly is the use of programming on software like auto-cad and solid-edge? I mean I understand it will change the part to a text file but what is the use? can you design/edit a 3D model using just programming?

Do mechanical design engineers need to know this? (even if not I still want to learn but just need to know if it is compulsory)

What is the latest/best programming language used for programming in design software because I heard VBA is slowing down.

Thank you.

Programming extends the functionality of the software. Custom programs may make it easier for the user to accomplish a task or series of tasks.

I believe AutoDesk is promoting the use of .NET since the future of VBA may be short lived. More information about this can be obtained at the AutoDesk website.

Is it compulsory for mechanical engineers to know programming? My response would be "No, it is not."

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot more to it than just changing the database into a text file. And if you're interested in learning more about it then the best recommendation is to start doing searches through google, bing, etc... and even within this forum for various topics.

LISP is probably the most widely used programming tool with AutoCAD and that is because it's been around for so long. And AutoDesk has stopped supporting VBA for AutoCAD although it will still work with it and for the later versions you can still download the VBA module. They are moving away from VBA in favor of .NET. And again this is more complex than could be explained here in a few sentences. But basically, if you wish to automate tasks which you repeat with AutoCAD or just make some shortcuts for yourself, programming for AutoCAD is a wide open world.

Thank you for welcoming me and Wow, thank you for the VERY fast replies, fastest replied I think I have ever had on any forum

If I am planning on becoming a mechanical design engineer and will be using software such as solid-edge, auto-cad, inventor, pro-e will programming be useful for me?

So what I do not understand is, if you want to repeat tasks over and over again couldn't you just save the file and use it when assembling for example, if I understand what you mean, someone is making a complex component and needs many of the same sized threaded bolts for it, the user programs the software so that he can use it over and over again repeatedly, wouldn't it just be easier for him to save the file and use assembler?

If I learnt programming languages such as LISP and .NET. would I be able to use these on other design software apart from auto-cad, such as solid-edge?

Thanks.

Learning to program can be useful if you have the time, talent and the need. Customs programs can take many forms. It all depends on what you are attempting to accomplish. Some programs can be quite simple and require a minimum of user input (or none at all!) while others can be quite complex and require the user to make a number of inputs to achieve the desired outcome.

Lisp and .NET will be useful if you use AutoCAD. I am not familiar with SolidEdge so I cannot say what programming options are available.

If you are interested in seeing what can be done using lisp programming visit this website by forum member Lee Mac:

http://www.lee-mac.com/

An example of a powerful custom lisp program capable of drawing steel shapes of all types and sizes by Al Rogers can be found here.

http://cadtips.cadalyst.com/standard-blocks/steel-shapes-all-types-and-sizes

Will I be able to use Lisp and .NET on Auto-desk Inventor or just AutoCAD?

I do not use Inventor myself, but it looks like Inventor's API is relegated to .NET technologies... You may find this link to be useful:

Autodesk Developer Network | Autodesk Inventor

... And welcome to CADTutor

I believe one works with the Autodesk Inventor COM API and the VB.NET programming language.

... Oh, and if my assesment of Inventor's API is correct (that it is relegated to .NET technologies), then this thread will prove useful as well:

Where to start with .NET?

** Edit - Confirmed:

 

Inventor exposes its programming interface using a COM Automation interface. You can access this interface using most of the popular programming languages available today including Microsoft Visual C++®, VB, C#, and Delphi. Autodesk Inventor includes Microsoft’s VBA, the most popular programming environment in the world.