Which API?

[NickBrege]

If I want to create an external, stand-alone .Net application that drives AutoCad, which API do I need to use ... the .Net API or the COM Interop API?

[Ed.Jobe]

The .NET api or AutoCAD managed api is only available to a dll that uses the NETLOAD command to load it. If you have to use a standalone exe, your only option is the COM api.

[norman.yuan]

In addition to what @Ed.Jobe said, you may want to think harder and ask yourself: why you want to use an EXE app to drive AutoCAD: it is hardly an good business solution in most cases, if not all.

[NickBrege]

It may not be the best solution, but I certainly wouldn't say it's "hardly a good business solution".  It has served us well over the years...

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

...or you run an external EXE using COM just to start AutoCAD and load your managed DLL, and this DLL does the real job 😉

- alfred -