"Autocad" - what is it? Program description

A new version of the most popular automatic design system AutoCAD 2017 appeared on March 21, 2016, and the most stable was the "Autocad 2016". With the help of this software complex, most of the electronic graphic documentation is produced in our country. For what was originally created "Autocad", what is it now and what are the prospects for development? About everything in order.

About creating AutoCAD

The history of "Autocad" begins in 1982, when in January the programmer John Walker invited several colleagues to create a firm for the development of application software. Initially, it was planned to name the company and the first program in a different way, but in April of the same year Autodesk was registered, and four months later, Autocad. That this application will be in demand, they knew already then. Thus, the date of birth of the popular program is August 25.

Initially, the young company offered two versions of the program: for 8-bit processors running with the operating system CP / M (Autocad-80), and a version of 16-bit processors in the MS-DOS operating system (Autocad-86). The program cost exactly one thousand US dollars.

Released in May 1985 on the market version 2.1 had a special language that allows you to write expressions and describe variables, in subsequent versions called AutoLisp. The first Russian version of the package appeared in 1988.

Starting with the 11th version of "Autocad", released in October 1990, there were opportunities to create three-dimensional models. Significant opportunities were added to the program in 2006. AutoCAD 2007 made it possible to choose one of several types of user interfaces, had a new convenient panel and tools for working with three-dimensional objects, allowed to create animations.

Since then, the company has been releasing a new version of the package every year. Currently, more than 35 desktop versions have been released. There are mobile versions, "Autocad" Russian version, as well as for operating systems Windows, OS X, iOS. In addition to "AutoCAD", the company also produces other popular and well-known application packages related to visual modeling and drawing:

• 3ds Max.
• Maya.
• Fusion 360.
• Inventor Professional.

Appointment

So what is AutoCAD, what is this computer-aided design system? The main function of this CAD - 2D-drawing and the creation of project documentation in various fields of knowledge. In the environment there are various tools for working with standard and arbitrary forms, allowing you to create any 3D-models and analyze them. The approach based on dynamic blocks allows you not to draw repetitive elements, but take them from the library or change the parameters already drawn. The availability of 3D printing capabilities makes it easy to create physical layouts by printing projects on a 3D printer.

The presence of a mechanism for saving operations and creating macros allows you to enter commands, even without having experience in programming. A variety of tools for working with two- and three-dimensional objects allow you to easily switch between different display modes, change the scale and rotate objects. "AutoCAD" has the necessary tools to create animated clips that can be used in presentations.

What files works

Files "AutoCAD" have the extension DWG and DXF. Files with the extension DWG are the most popular format for storing digital drawings (DWG -drawning). Autodesk owns this format, and for its products it is the main one. Software environments for designing other manufacturers can also work with this format. The program allows you to open and use to work files of other common graphic and text formats.

DXF-files (drawing exchange format) allow you to exchange graphic information between CAD-applications. This format is also owned by Autodesk, but is supported by most CAD systems.

System requirements

Minimum requirements for the computer program "Autocad" 2016 (Russian version):

• Operating system Windows 8.1, operating system Windows 7 in the version not lower than "Home extended";
• 32- or 64-bit Intel or AMD processors for the corresponding version of AutoCAD with a frequency of at least 1.0 GHz and support for SSE2 instructions;
• From 2 GB of RAM;
• Monitor with an extension of at least 1024 * 768 and a video card compatible with DirectX 9.

The program also needs:

• Windows Internet Explorer version 9.0 or higher;
• Flash player Adobe Flash Player version not less than 10;
• .NET Framework 4.5 libraries.

For AutoCAD 2017, the minimum system requirements are slightly higher: in particular, a monitor with a resolution of at least 1360 * 768, a set of libraries. NET Framework 4.6 is required.

User Interface Features

The design system is based on an interactive approach that implies a user's dialogue with the program in the language of special commands. Virtually all teams have different options for execution. How to use the command, the system solves based on the analysis of user actions and dialogue with it.

The standard "AutoCAD" interface is a work area, called a model, toolbars, additional windows and a line for entering commands. Since version 2009, the toolbars are located on the menu in the form of a ribbon, but it is possible to switch to the classic view. The menu in the form of the so-called Ribbon-tape is a common trend of modern application programs, the products of the company "Autodesk" have such an interface.

The composition of the tape can be customized to the needs of a particular user. The ribbon has tabs, each of which includes the necessary tools, similar in groups. All elements have an additional context menu, traditionally called the right mouse button.

Development trends

Vector development of Autocad is similar to the general trend of improving application software. The indicators of stability, accuracy and performance of 3D graphics are consistently improving, various intellectual tools are being introduced, compatibility with other software products of Autodesk and other companies.

There are versions of "Autocad" for tablet computers, smartphones on popular mobile operating systems. Of course, no one talks about such an "AutoCAD", that this is a real alternative to traditional versions, but there are opportunities to perform some limited actions with projects literally "on the run." Have not forgotten in the company "Avtodessk" and about cloud technologies. The Autocad WS version enables you to store information in the cloud of Autodesk 360 company and work with them through the network.