VLA-object (loop problem) Release 2006

[svorgodne]

I may be very stupid for not finding the answer but I was analyzing a lisp routine which contents a function called "vlax-ename->vla-object". I looked for definition in AutoCAD help and found this...

Transforms an entity to a VLA-object

Then at the end says see also

The vlax-vla-object->ename function.

which says

Transforms a VLA-object to an AutoLISP entity

Anyhow I tried to find what a VLA-object is and I found absolutely no answer at all. Can anybody help me please?

[BlackBox]

This is not a silly question at all.

A VLA-Object is a Visual LISP entity, or collection of such, as part of the ActiveX API (VBA also). You can learn a lot more about VLA-Objects in the Developer help under the "ActiveX and VBA Reference" section.

I'm sure someone smarter than I will come along, and provide some additional information, but I hope this helps!

[edit]
BTW - What is the loop problem you're having?
[/edit]

[lpseifert]

To perform many of the VLA/Activex functions on an entity it needs to be made into a vla-object

for example... to get the Layer property of an entity using VLA

(setq ent (entsel "Select entity: ");select entity
      ename (car ent); get entity name
      obj (vlax-ename->vla-object ename);create vla-object from entity name
      lyr (vlax-get-property obj 'Layer); get Layer property of vla-object
      )

[BlackBox]

To perform many of the VLA/Activex functions on an entity it needs to be made into a vla-object

for example... to get the Layer property of an entity using VLA

Or one could combine steps, like so:

(setq lyr
       (vla-get-layer
         (vlax-ename->vla-object (car (entsel "\nSelect entity: ")))))

[BlackBox]

Likewise, if one needs an ename from a vla-object, this will work:

(setq ename (vlax-vla-object->ename vla-object))

[Lee Mac]

Or one could combine steps, like so:

(setq lyr
       (vla-get-layer
         (vlax-ename->vla-object (car (entsel "\nSelect entity: ")))))

Nit picking, but

(vlax-ename->vla-object nil)

[BlackBox]

Nit picking, but

(vlax-ename->vla-object nil)

LMAO - Yes, of course!

Funny enough, I typically step through instead of selecting a single entity, like so (thanks Alan!):

(if (setq ss (ssget ...))
  (progn 
    (vlax-for x (setq ss (vla-get-activeselectionset *activeDoc*))
      ...)
    (vla-delete ss)))
...

I'll try to curb my expedited behavior in the future... You'll help make me a "Real [Programmer]" yet.

[alanjt]

Nit picking, but

(vlax-ename->vla-object nil)

x2........

[BlackBox]

x2........

I know, I know... You've taught me better, Alan.

[Lee Mac]

You guys know each other?