External database for layer sets?

I am going to revamp our office's layer system. It currently has all layers
defined in standard lisp code, but the code is so long it is extremely
difficult to revise when we change layer settings or add new layers.

What I want to do is build a database that can be accessed with loops and
will be easier to edit for other people that don't know any lisp (I'm the
only one here that does). What would be a good way to do this?

Create a flat file database in .txt format?
Access the databse in Excel?

Thanks for any input you may have for a fledgling lisp programmer..

kemp

 

I used an .ini file approach years ago. The advantage to that was that it
was easy to read and maintain. XML would be the route I would go today,
using VBA. For LISP, I would stay with the .ini file approach.


--
R. Robert Bell, MCSE
www.AcadX.com


I am going to revamp our office's layer system. It currently has all layers
defined in standard lisp code, but the code is so long it is extremely
difficult to revise when we change layer settings or add new layers.

What I want to do is build a database that can be accessed with loops and
will be easier to edit for other people that don't know any lisp (I'm the
only one here that does). What would be a good way to do this?

Create a flat file database in .txt format?
Access the databse in Excel?

Thanks for any input you may have for a fledgling lisp programmer..

kemp

 

Store you data in CSV (Comma separated values) format,
which offers the broadest range of options for editing.

What you probably should avoid, is editing CSV files
using a text editor since that is highly error prone.

You can use Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet to
edit CSV files, or you can use a database like MS Access.

You can use LISP to read/write CSV as well, without
too much effort.



AcadX for AutoCAD 2004 Beta 1
http://mysite.verizon.net/~vze2vjds/acadx/AcadX16.zip

 

What's wrong with storing all the layers in a drawing saved to a read only
folder on your network? You can use Design Center to access the layers and
AutoCAD's inhearent modifiying tools to change / manage said layers.

jb

 

I would go with the flat file .txt type.
It is fast, requires no other programs to access, and is easy to maintain.
You will spend more time opening access or excel applications than you
need to read direct.
I have used flat files to access parts lists in excess of 30000 items
without much delay.
AutoLisp (read-line) reads text > 1000 lines per second so it is
certainly faster than you need.
ddk