The “Lexical Structures” through “User Interface” sections focus on the basic syntax and structure of the VectorScript language, covering concepts necessary for learning any new programming language, in addition to providing more advanced language topics. These concepts are important for understanding how to design and implement more complex scripts.
The “Using VectorScript Plug-ins” through “VectorScript Objects” sections document VectorScript plug-in technology. This technology, available since VectorWorks 8, allows you to create parametrically-defined objects which can be used and edited like built-in VectorWorks object types. You can also use VectorScript plug-ins to define tool items and tools created with VectorScript, which can be integrated into your workspace and used like any other command or tool. The fundamentals of creating plug-ins are covered, providing the information needed to use plug-in technology effectively, as well as providing more detailed information on each of the plug-in types, and illustrating the basics of using each type.
The “VectorScript Development Tools” section documents the VectorWorks development tools targeted at working with the VectorScript language. These include practical techniques for use with any type of plug-in; these techniques address issues that will come up in everyday use as you become more proficient at using plug-ins in your work. The various script types and how to work with them in VectorWorks are discussed. The features and use of the VectorScript Editor are discussed; this is the primary means for editing your scripts. This includes a discussion on the VectorScript debugger, an extremely useful tool for detecting and fixing errors in your scripts, and the Plug-in editor, which lets you easily create and edit the basic settings of your VectorScript plug-ins.