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AutoLISP is a dialect of the programming language LISP, specifically designed for the customization of AutoCAD, a popular computer-aided design software. Introduced by Autodesk in 1986, it quickly became an essential tool for automating and simplifying complex drawing operations. AutoLISP allows users to create custom commands and routines that can significantly enhance productivity within AutoCAD. It's also used to develop third-party applications that extend the functionality of AutoCAD. Its unique features have made it a widely accepted standard in CAD programming (Source: Autodesk).

Ask the right questions secure the right AutoLISP talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General AutoLISP app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in AutoLISP application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

How would you define AutoLISP?

AutoLISP is a dialect of the LISP programming language built specifically for use with the full version of AutoCAD and its derivatives, which include AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD Mechanical.

What are the basic data types in AutoLISP?

The basic data types in AutoLISP are Integer, Real, String, List, and Symbol.

How would you declare a variable in AutoLISP?

In AutoLISP, variables are declared using the 'setq' function. For example, '(setq a 10)' declares a variable 'a' and assigns it the value 10.

Describe the difference between the 'setq' and 'defun' functions in AutoLISP.

'setq' is used to declare a variable and assign it a value, while 'defun' is used to define a new function.

How would you use the 'if' function in AutoLISP?

The 'if' function in AutoLISP is used for conditional execution of code. For example, '(if (> a 10) (print "a is greater than 10"))' will print the message if the value of 'a' is greater than 10.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a solid understanding of AutoLISP?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Does the candidate have experience with CAD software, particularly AutoCAD?

Next 20 minutes

Specific AutoLISP development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

What are the uses of the 'progn' function in AutoLISP?

The 'progn' function in AutoLISP is used to group several expressions into a single composite expression, particularly in control structures where only one expression is allowed.

How would you create a list in AutoLISP?

A list in AutoLISP can be created using the 'list' function. For example, '(list 1 2 3)' creates a list of three elements.

Describe the difference between the 'cons' and 'append' functions in AutoLISP.

'cons' is used to add an element to the beginning of a list, while 'append' is used to concatenate two or more lists.

How would you define a recursive function in AutoLISP?

A recursive function in AutoLISP is defined like any other function using 'defun', but it calls itself within its own definition. For example, a function to compute the factorial of a number could be defined recursively.

What are the uses of the 'mapcar' function in AutoLISP?

'mapcar' is a higher-order function that applies a given function to each element of a list and returns a list of the results.

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At this point, a skilled AutoLISP engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in AutoLISP programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with AutoLISP.

What does this simple AutoLISP code do?
(defun c:AreaOfCircle (r) (* pi (* r r)))
This code defines a function in AutoLISP that calculates the area of a circle given a radius. The function is called with the command 'AreaOfCircle' followed by the radius.
What does this AutoLISP code do?
(defun c:HelloWorld (/ name) (initget 1) (setq name (getstring T "
Enter your name: ")) (prompt (strcat "
Hello, " name "!")))
This code defines a function in AutoLISP that asks the user for their name and then prints a personalized greeting. The 'initget' function is used to initialize user input.
What does this AutoLISP code do?
(defun c:FindMax (lst) (apply 'max lst))
This code defines a function in AutoLISP that finds the maximum value in a list. The 'apply' function is used to apply the 'max' function to the list.
What does this AutoLISP code do?
(defun c:Parallel (p1 p2) (= (angle p1 p2) 0.0))
This code defines a function in AutoLISP that checks if two points are parallel. The 'angle' function is used to calculate the angle between the two points, and the result is compared to 0.0.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for AutoLISP Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle AutoLISP application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

How would you handle errors in AutoLISP?

Errors in AutoLISP can be handled using the 'error' function, which stops the execution of the program and prints an error message.

Describe the difference between the 'load' and 'autoload' functions in AutoLISP.

'load' is used to load a LISP file into the AutoCAD environment, while 'autoload' loads a LISP file only when a function defined in that file is called.

How would you interact with the AutoCAD database using AutoLISP?

AutoLISP provides several functions to interact with the AutoCAD database, such as 'entget' to retrieve the properties of an entity, 'entmod' to modify an entity, and 'entdel' to delete an entity.

AutoLISP application related

Product Perfect's AutoLISP development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your AutoLISP engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in AutoLISP projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

AutoLISP Consultive assessments

AutoLISP Application Conversion Assessment AutoLISP Application Integration Assessment AutoLISP Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom AutoLISP development projects

Custom AutoLISP App Conversion AutoLISP Custom App Development Process App UI Design for AutoLISP Facelifts

Hiring guide for AutoLISP Engineers

AutoLISP Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the AutoLISP engineer at this point.

AutoLISP Consultive assessments

Custom AutoLISP development projects