nestedblock window

Friday at 09:04 AM

i have this code, but give me syntax error.

i put all the files in the same dir.

;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;
;;  SNB_Select.lsp                                                    ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Interactively select and highlight nested blocks from a dialog.   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Depends on the updated `nestedblocks.dcl` file.                   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  To Run: APPLOAD -> Load File -> Type "SNB_SELECT" in the command. ;;
;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(defun-q *block_name_list*)

;; Recursive function to populate the dialog list and our background list
(defun FindAndListNestedBlocks (blkname level visited)
  (if (not (member blkname visited))
    (if (tblsearch "BLOCK" blkname)
      (progn
        (setq visited (cons blkname visited)) ; Add current block to visited list
        (setq ent (tblobjname "BLOCK" blkname))
        (setq ent (entnext ent))
        
        (while ent
          (setq edata (entget ent))
          (if (= "INSERT" (cdr (assoc 0 edata)))
            (progn
              (setq nested_blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
              (setq indent (make_string (* level 2) 32))
              
              ;; Add the formatted name to the visible list box
              (add_list (strcat indent "|-- " nested_blkname))
              ;; Add the clean name to our background list
              (setq *block_name_list* (append *block_name_list* (list nested_blkname)))
              
              ;; Recurse for the next level
              (FindAndListNestedBlocks nested_blkname (+ level 1) visited)
            )
          )
          (setq ent (entnext ent))
        )
      )
    )
  )
)

;; Main command function
(defun c:SNB_SELECT (/ sel edata blkname dcl_id selected_index ss)
  (princ "\n--- Interactive Nested Block Viewer ---")
  
  (setq sel (entsel "\nSelect a parent block to inspect: "))
  (if sel
    (progn
      (setq dcl_id (load_dialog "nestedblocks.dcl"))
      (if (not (new_dialog "NestedBlockViewer" dcl_id))
        (exit)
      )
      
      (setq edata (entget (car sel)))
      (setq blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
      
      ;; Initialize the background list with the top-level block
      (setq *block_name_list* (list blkname))
      
      ;; Populate the visible list in the dialog
      (start_list "block_tree")
      (add_list blkname)
      (FindAndListNestedBlocks blkname 1 nil)
      (end_list)
      
      ;; --- Define Actions for Dialog Buttons ---
      
      ;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button
      (action_tile "highlight"
        "(progn
           (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))
           (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))
           (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))
           (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips
           (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))
           (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space
         )"
      )
      
      ;; Action for the OK button (and double-clicking a list item)
      (action_tile "accept" "(done_dialog)")
      
      ;; Display the dialog and wait for user action
      (start_dialog)
      (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear selection grips on exit
      (unload_dialog dcl_id)
    )
    (princ "\nNo object selected.")
  )
  (princ)
)

(princ "\nLISP loaded. Type SNB_SELECT to run.")
(princ)

here dcl file

// nestedblocks.dcl
// Defines the dialog box for the Interactive Nested Block Viewer

NestedBlockViewer : dialog {
    label = "Interactive Nested Block Viewer"; // The window title

    // The list of blocks
    : list_box {
        key = "block_tree"; // An identifier for this list
        width = 60;
        height = 20;
        allow_accept = true;
    }

    // A row to hold our buttons
    : row {
        // New button to trigger the highlighting action
        : button {
            key = "highlight";
            label = "Highlight Selection";
            width = 20;
            fixed_width = true;
        }
        // Spacer to push the OK button to the right
        : spacer { width = 1; }
        
        // Standard OK button to close the dialog
        : ok_button {
            is_default = true;
        }
    }
}

Friday at 10:24 AM

Where did you get the LISP?

Friday at 01:00 PM

2 hours ago, SLW210 said:

Where did you get the LISP?

sorry

why?

Friday at 04:04 PM

3 hours ago, jim78b said:

sorry

why?

Because no credit was given to the Author in the code or your post.

Friday at 05:20 PM

1 hour ago, pkenewell said:

Because no credit was given to the Author in the code or your post.

Ai

Friday at 05:46 PM

19 minutes ago, jim78b said:

Ai

@jim78b

Then you should've just said that.

Anyway - I think the problem is that you can't have a multi-line string like in your action tile statement, when there are parenthesis and other embedded code. Do this instead:

;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button   
      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )

Friday at 08:58 PM

3 hours ago, pkenewell said:

@jim78b

Then you should've just said that.

Anyway - I think the problem is that you can't have a multi-line string like in your action tile statement, when there are parenthesis and other embedded code. Do this instead:

;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button   
      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )

So i Will Copy your code in my lisp ?

Friday at 08:59 PM

3 hours ago, pkenewell said:

@jim78b

Then you should've just said that.

Anyway - I think the problem is that you can't have a multi-line string like in your action tile statement, when there are parenthesis and other embedded code. Do this instead:

;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button   
      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )

But the dcl and lisp files must be in the same directory ?

Friday at 09:11 PM

On 7/25/2025 at 4:58 PM, jim78b said:

So i Will Copy your code in my lisp ?

Yes - replace the following section of your code with my replacement.

REPLACE THIS

      (action_tile "highlight"
        "(progn
           (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))
           (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))
           (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))
           (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips
           (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))
           (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space
         )"
      )

WITH THIS

      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil)" ; Clear any previous selection grips
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss))" ; Highlight all found instances in current space
            ")"
         )
      )

On 7/25/2025 at 4:59 PM, jim78b said:

But the dcl and lisp files must be in the same directory ?

The DCL and the LISP file must both be in an AutoCAD support path.

Edited 8 hours ago by pkenewell

Saturday at 11:17 AM

It has more issues than Time magazine. Probably better rewriting something from scratch.

I fixed the first 2 issues that came up, then there were more after that and I ran out of spare time to work on it.

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(defun-q *block_name_list*)

Was the error you mentioned.

Once fixed more came up.

Sunday at 12:16 PM

I forgot to post the fix.

(setq *block_name_list*)

I don't recall the second error.

Sunday at 03:49 PM

Ok thanks tomorrow when i have time i Will test .thanks very much

2025-07-29T07:33:47Z

On 7/25/2025 at 11:11 PM, pkenewell said:

Yes - replace the following section of your code with my replacement.

REPLACE THIS

      (action_tile "highlight"
        "(progn
           (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))
           (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))
           (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))
           (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips
           (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))
           (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space
         )"
      )

WITH THIS

      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )

The DCL and the LISP file must both be in an AutoCAD support path.

Sorry for late reply but i have problem with my internet connection.

i tried to modify the lisp but give me syntax error, sorry.

;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;
;;  SNB_Select.lsp                                                    ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Interactively select and highlight nested blocks from a dialog.   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Depends on the updated `nestedblocks.dcl` file.                   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  To Run: APPLOAD -> Load File -> Type "SNB_SELECT" in the command. ;;
;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(defun-q *block_name_list*)

;; Recursive function to populate the dialog list and our background list
(defun FindAndListNestedBlocks (blkname level visited)
  (if (not (member blkname visited))
    (if (tblsearch "BLOCK" blkname)
      (progn
        (setq visited (cons blkname visited)) ; Add current block to visited list
        (setq ent (tblobjname "BLOCK" blkname))
        (setq ent (entnext ent))
        
        (while ent
          (setq edata (entget ent))
          (if (= "INSERT" (cdr (assoc 0 edata)))
            (progn
              (setq nested_blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
              (setq indent (make_string (* level 2) 32))
              
              ;; Add the formatted name to the visible list box
              (add_list (strcat indent "|-- " nested_blkname))
              ;; Add the clean name to our background list
              (setq *block_name_list* (append *block_name_list* (list nested_blkname)))
              
              ;; Recurse for the next level
              (FindAndListNestedBlocks nested_blkname (+ level 1) visited)
            )
          )
          (setq ent (entnext ent))
        )
      )
    )
  )
)

;; Main command function
(defun c:SNB_SELECT (/ sel edata blkname dcl_id selected_index ss)
  (princ "\n--- Interactive Nested Block Viewer ---")
  
  (setq sel (entsel "\nSelect a parent block to inspect: "))
  (if sel
    (progn
      (setq dcl_id (load_dialog "nestedblocks.dcl"))
      (if (not (new_dialog "NestedBlockViewer" dcl_id))
        (exit)
      )
      
      (setq edata (entget (car sel)))
      (setq blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
      
      ;; Initialize the background list with the top-level block
      (setq *block_name_list* (list blkname))
      
      ;; Populate the visible list in the dialog
      (start_list "block_tree")
      (add_list blkname)
      (FindAndListNestedBlocks blkname 1 nil)
      (end_list)
      
      ;; --- Define Actions for Dialog Buttons ---
      
      ;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button
      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )
      
      ;; Action for the OK button (and double-clicking a list item)
      (action_tile "accept" "(done_dialog)")
      
      ;; Display the dialog and wait for user action
      (start_dialog)
      (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear selection grips on exit
      (unload_dialog dcl_id)
    )
    (princ "\nNo object selected.")
  )
  (princ)
)

(princ "\nLISP loaded. Type SNB_SELECT to run.")
(princ)

2025-07-29T10:09:57Z

You failed to fix the very first part I told you was giving that error.

It should be setq.

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(defun-q *block_name_list*)

Should be ...

(setq *block_name_list*)

2025-07-29T12:39:26Z

2 hours ago, SLW210 said:
You failed to fix the very first part I told you was giving that error.

It should be setq.
;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(defun-q *block_name_list*)
Should be ...
(setq *block_name_list*)

;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;
;;  SNB_Select.lsp                                                    ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Interactively select and highlight nested blocks from a dialog.   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  Depends on the updated `nestedblocks.dcl` file.                   ;;
;;                                                                    ;;
;;  To Run: APPLOAD -> Load File -> Type "SNB_SELECT" in the command. ;;
;;----------------------------------------------------------------------;;

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(setq *block_name_list*)

;; Recursive function to populate the dialog list and our background list
(defun FindAndListNestedBlocks (blkname level visited)
  (if (not (member blkname visited))
    (if (tblsearch "BLOCK" blkname)
      (progn
        (setq visited (cons blkname visited)) ; Add current block to visited list
        (setq ent (tblobjname "BLOCK" blkname))
        (setq ent (entnext ent))
        
        (while ent
          (setq edata (entget ent))
          (if (= "INSERT" (cdr (assoc 0 edata)))
            (progn
              (setq nested_blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
              (setq indent (make_string (* level 2) 32))
              
              ;; Add the formatted name to the visible list box
              (add_list (strcat indent "|-- " nested_blkname))
              ;; Add the clean name to our background list
              (setq *block_name_list* (append *block_name_list* (list nested_blkname)))
              
              ;; Recurse for the next level
              (FindAndListNestedBlocks nested_blkname (+ level 1) visited)
            )
          )
          (setq ent (entnext ent))
        )
      )
    )
  )
)

;; Main command function
(defun c:SNB_SELECT (/ sel edata blkname dcl_id selected_index ss)
  (princ "\n--- Interactive Nested Block Viewer ---")
  
  (setq sel (entsel "\nSelect a parent block to inspect: "))
  (if sel
    (progn
      (setq dcl_id (load_dialog "nestedblocks.dcl"))
      (if (not (new_dialog "NestedBlockViewer" dcl_id))
        (exit)
      )
      
      (setq edata (entget (car sel)))
      (setq blkname (cdr (assoc 2 edata)))
      
      ;; Initialize the background list with the top-level block
      (setq *block_name_list* (list blkname))
      
      ;; Populate the visible list in the dialog
      (start_list "block_tree")
      (add_list blkname)
      (FindAndListNestedBlocks blkname 1 nil)
      (end_list)
      
      ;; --- Define Actions for Dialog Buttons ---
      
      ;; Action for the "Highlight Selection" button
      (action_tile "highlight"
         (strcat 
            "(progn"
            "  (setq selected_index (atoi (get_tile \"block_tree\")))"
            "  (setq selected_block (nth selected_index *block_name_list*))"
            "  (princ (strcat \"\nHighlighting all instances of: \" selected_block))"
            "  (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear any previous selection grips"
            "  (setq ss (ssget \"_X\" (list (cons 0 \"INSERT\") (cons 2 selected_block) (cons 410 (getvar 'ctab)))))"
            "  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss)) ; Highlight all found instances in current space"
            ")"
         )
      )
      
      ;; Action for the OK button (and double-clicking a list item)
      (action_tile "accept" "(done_dialog)")
      
      ;; Display the dialog and wait for user action
      (start_dialog)
      (sssetfirst nil nil) ; Clear selection grips on exit
      (unload_dialog dcl_id)
    )
    (princ "\nNo object selected.")
  )
  (princ)
)

(princ "\nLISP loaded. Type SNB_SELECT to run.")
(princ)

Give me again syntax error sorry

2025-07-29T12:56:28Z

@jim78b The end quote is in the wrong place on this line. See correction below.

"  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss))" ;<--Quote BEFORE comment. Highlight all found instances in current space

2025-07-29T13:05:22Z

8 minutes ago, pkenewell said:
@jim78b The end quote is in the wrong place on this line. See correction below.
"  (if ss (sssetfirst nil ss))" ;<--Quote BEFORE comment. Highlight all found instances in current space

thanks i edit but give me again syntax error

2025-07-29T13:11:00Z

@jim78b There is another one. Sorry - I did this accidentally in my earlier post on those 2 lines. I corrected my previous posts.

 "  (sssetfirst nil nil)" ; Clear any previous selection grips

Edited 8 hours ago by pkenewell

2025-07-29T13:19:34Z

@jim78b I also noticed on the first line, the setq statement need to be set to something. You can't just have (setq *block_name_list*). I just put "nil" below, but it seems to want a list of Block Names?

;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(setq *block_name_list* nil);<-- Needs to be set to something

ALSO: If you want someone to work on this for you. I think you need to provide a sample drawing with what you want to accomplish. I don't have time to troubleshoot this by re-creating the circumstances where this program is needed.

2025-07-29T13:36:24Z

16 minutes ago, pkenewell said:
@jim78b I also noticed on the first line, the setq statement need to be set to something. You can't just have (setq *block_name_list*). I just put "nil" below, but it seems to want a list of Block Names?
;; This global list will store the clean names for selection
(setq *block_name_list* nil);<-- Needs to be set to something
ALSO: If you want someone to work on this for you. I think you need to provide a sample drawing with what you want to accomplish. I don't have time to troubleshoot this by re-creating the circumstances where this program is needed.

Sorry, but thank you for your hard work. It works now, but:
I thought I had a window always open with the block list that automatically updates without me having to select anything.
I'd like the window to stay open even when I'm working.
If I click on a block name, it highlights in the drawing.
Sorry if I wasn't specific.
Thanks

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