Command Aliases

Command aliases are alternative names for BricsCAD commands. You can launch the LINE command by entering L at the command prompt. There is no need to type the complete name. After typing the command alias at the command prompt the command is executed. Some commands have more than one alias: e.g. REC, RECT and RECTANGLE are all aliases for RECTANG, whereas the last alias is even longer than the command name. In general, command aliases can increase your speed in entering the commands at keyboard.

Command aliases are saved in a *.pgp file (ProGram Parameters file). By default the default.pgp file in the Support folder of the Roamable Root folder is used.

If a command can be executed transparently (= while another command is being executed), the alias can also be used transparently. To execute a command or an alias transparently, precede the command name or alias with an apostrophe (').

Command aliases cannot be used in scripts (*.scr).

To edit the alias file in a text editor

In order to modify existing aliases or to create new ones, the default.pgp file can be edited using an ASCII text editor (e.g. Notepad).

The first section of the default.pgp file defines the Shell commands. The second section of the default.pgp file defines command aliases.

The following syntax is used to define a command alias:

alias,                   *command

alias = the character string to be entered at the command prompt. The command alias must be followed by a comma (,).

command = the BricsCAD command. The command name must be preceded by an asterisk (*).

Comment lines must be preceded by a semicolon (;). Comment lines can be used to add additional information, e.g. when the file was last edited and by whom.

Some commands, such as HATCH or BOUNDARY, can be preceded by a hyphen (-) to access the command line version of the command instead of the dialog box version. Command aliases can be created for these commands also, e.g.:

vi,                     *-view

Execute the REINIT command to reload the alias file when it was externally edited.

Using the Customize dialog to edit the alias file

1. Open the Customize dialog.

2. Click the Aliases tab on the Customize dialog.
   
   

3. (option) To create a new alias:

4. Click the Add button.
   The Add Alias dialog box displays:
   
   
    

5. Click the down arrow at the right hand side of the Command field, then select a command.
   You can start typing the command name in the Command field to easily find the command in the list.

6. Type the command alias for the command in the Alias field.

7. Click the OK button.

4. (option) To edit an existing alias:

5. Select the alias in the list.

6. Click the Edit button.
   The Edit Alias dialog box displays:
   
   
    

7. Type a new alias in the Alias field.
   If the alias already exists you are prompted to overwrite the existing alias.

8. Click the OK button.

5. (option) To delete an alias:

6. Select the alias in the list.

7. Click the Delete button.
   A Confirm box displays.

8. Click the OK button on the Confirm box to delete the alias.

6. Click the OK button on the Customize dialog to stop.