[cad-linux] Re: Wine ...cad- open source CAD

I have had the same desire for good CAD/CAM under Linux.  Here is what I 
would like to see and why:

1.  Open source- I have spent too much money in the past for software 
that doesn't grow with my needs.  Sometimes the companies go out of 
business- then my money or my companies money has been really wasted. 
With the source code open there is always the possibility of continuing on.

2.  Scriptable, as in Python embedded in the application.  Once you 
start using a program, you will always come up with that little thing 
that could make you much more productive.  Autocad has Lisp, most CAD 
programs have macros.  I like Python, because I can understand it and it 
seems very powerful.

3.  Good dimensioning capability (or ways of scripting dimensioning). 
For what I do I need good Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. 
Dimensioning that looks professional and readable is a must.  Being able 
to specify the font of your choice is always good.

4.  A command line.  A lot of companies have gotten away from this, but 
I don't know why.  I can be much more productive with the command line 
and mouse than with the mouse alone.

5.  Predicable entity creation- lines, circles, offsets, etc...

6.  Layers

I'm getting tired here, so let me go on more later, about what I 
like/wish for in  CAD/CAM programs.
Right now, I'm starting to play with OpenCascade on Linux and am amazed 
at all of it's features.   I have played with Cliff's Freedraft in the 
past and see a lot of potential with it and OpenCascade source code.
Last night, I skimmed the Draw manual that comes with OpenCascade and it 
looks like one could build a usable little CAD program with Tcl/Tk 
(maybe a slow one).

Thanks,
Dan

Other related posts: