Function Entry: VLISP-COMPILE

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Function Entry: VLISP-COMPILE

Name

vlisp-compile

Class

Visual LISP Function (vendor-divergent)

Syntax (AutoCAD 2026)

(vlisp-compile 'mode 'filename [output-filename])

Syntax (BricsCAD V26)

(vlisp-compile 'mode sourcefile [outfile])

Arguments and Values

  • mode (AutoCAD): symbol; one of
    • 'st — standard build mode; smallest output, suitable for single-file programs.
    • 'lsm — optimise + link indirectly; optimised but no direct cross-file references.
    • 'lsa — optimise + link directly; optimised with direct cross-file references.
  • mode (BricsCAD): symbol; the same three names are accepted but the value is documented as ignored in BricsCAD V26.
  • filename / sourcefile: string; AutoLISP source file. AutoCAD: path may be omitted if the file is on the AutoCAD support search path; the extension defaults to .lsp.
  • output-filename / outfile (optional): string; output path.
    • AutoCAD: when omitted, the output file shares the source name with extension .fas. Starting with AutoCAD 2021, FAS files can be produced in either Unicode or MBCS form.
    • BricsCAD: when omitted, the output file shares the source name with extension .des (DEScoder-encrypted).

Description

Compiles AutoLISP source code into a vendor-defined compiled form. The cross-vendor divergence is significant: AutoCAD produces .fas (and, via larger build options, .vlx archives), while BricsCAD V26 produces .des and ignores the mode argument. Phase 4 reconciliation in vendor-inventory-2026.org §10.

Return Values

  • AutoCAD 2026: returns T on success, otherwise nil.
  • BricsCAD V26: returns T if the encrypted output file is created, otherwise nil.

Side Effects

Writes the compiled output file to disk.

Examples

  • AutoCAD: (vlisp-compile 'st "yinyang.lsp") produces yinyang.fas and returns T.
  • BricsCAD: (vlisp-compile 'st "yinyang.lsp") produces yinyang.des and returns T.

Availability

  • AutoCAD 2026: documented; produces .fas (and .vlx archives via auxiliary tooling).
  • BricsCAD V26: documented; produces .des; the mode argument is parsed but ignored.
  • Status: cross-vendor divergence — see Phase 4 reconciliation in vendor-inventory-2026.org §10.

See Also

  • Cross-vendor divergence: AutoCAD produces .fas (and .vlx archives via auxiliary tooling); BricsCAD produces .des and ignores the mode argument. See body Description above and vendor-inventory-2026.org §10 item 1.