GDL parameters reference document

[Anonymous]

I don't know whether creating GDL objects is a type of development. But ... here goes:

I can find a document about Global GDL parameters on ArchiGuide, but it is for ArchiCAD 7.

Where I can find a v8/8.1 version of the document?

[Aaron Bourgoin]

Wolf King,

The GDL Reference Manual is in the Online Help. Press F1.

[Anonymous]

Bourgoin

I use V8.1. It seems that I am outdated.
OK, I try to got a copy of V9, at least only Reference Manual.

Thanks.

[Karl Ottenstein]

A PDF of the GDL Reference Manual is included with 8.1. Look in your program folder under Documentation or Graphisoft Documentation (I can't remember where it was originally - I moved mine) ... or else on your CD.

Otherwise, the new GDL reference manual, as well as all 9 documentation, is available on the Graphisoft web site: go to Support, and follow links to Documentation.

Karl

PS I've moved this question to the GDL forum: this is a GDL question and not a developer (API) one.

[Anonymous]

Well, guys. I have read the GDL Renference Manual. It is not what I need.
Perhaps I express my requisition with wrong words, sorry.

In fact, the chm file (in program folder) is enough for general usage. But what I want to know is about some variables which created by ArchiCAD automaticly and display in blue when u create an object. ( I think this sentence is too long) See the picture below please.

I can find introduction of some blue variables, but others not. eg, Why 4 AC_MarkerText in WD Marker? In Interactive Schedule, Marker Text is point which one, AC_MarkerText_1 or other? etc.

In GDL Reference Manual, Chapter GDL Global Variable, GS list all variables of standard object such as beam, wall and etc. They ingore user custom objects such as Markers, accessories.

I beg for a completed reference manual.

[Karl Ottenstein]

The parameters in blue are not globals, but are parameters introduced by the subtype mechanism.

If you experiment with an object and select alternate subtypes, you will see what is happening: a subtype defines a group of parameters that all objects belonging to that type will have. (I hesitate to say 'inherit' since it isn't really like object-oriented inheritance.) It is sort of a macro process. You can define your own subtypes, and then define objects of those subtypes so that they will all obtain the same common parameters.

So: nothing special, just parameters.

Karl

[Anonymous]

I see.

But I still want to learn more about blue parameters. Some of blue parameters is complex.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Wolf wrote:
IBut I still want to learn more about blue parameters. Some of blue parameters is complex.

Can you give an example...screenshot of some of the parameters that don't make sense to you?

[Anonymous]

Karl, I think what Wolf is talking about is the fact there there is no explanation (AFAIK) of the purposes of particular subtype parameters beyond reading the name and figuring it out by studying existing parts. For example, there are several text parameters auto-defined for a section marker, but one has to figure out which one represents the drawing number, sheet reference, etc...

Besides the lack of standards for structuring the parts (which is beginning to be addressed with the subtypes) there is no standard for ensuring that all these thing are properly documented and communicated to the end users. Guys like us can figure it out, but we really shouldn't have to, and the guys who haven't the time or inclination to figure it out should have a place to look this stuff up.

I understand that documenting software is a bit like doing architectural revision clouds and addenda. The tedium of having to document everything you do really slows down the process of doing it. But, it is, at least to some extent, necessary.


BTW, Karl, congratulations on the fifth house. Now I'm not the only senior citizen around here.

[Aussie John]

Wolf wrote:
I see.

But I still want to learn more about blue parameters. Some of blue parameters is complex.

I agree it is a waste of time to have to experiment to find about what one of these "blue" parameters does, rather than have documented for ready reference.