ObjectARX 2.0

AutoCAD's object-oriented API, ARX (AutoCAD Runtime Extension), has been enhanced to provide tighter integration, better access, and improved performance for third-party applications. Data interoperability has been improved, and the "zombie" object behavior has been replaced by a more interactive "proxy" object.

ActiveX Automation Interface

AutoCAD now supports the ActiveX Automation interface standard developed by Microsoft. AutoCAD objects and their methods are now exposed to applications subscribing to this interface. For example, Visual Basic can now access AutoCAD objects and their creation and editing methods. Thus, you can now use the Visual Basic programming language to drive AutoCAD or to write a single application that integrates AutoCAD with other ActiveX Automation compliant applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Access.

Persistent AutoLISP

AutoLISP routines can now be "persistent" across drawing file initializations: variables and information from one drawing load can be carried forward to the next, and the routine itself does not need to be reloaded. Batch processing routines are easier to write and run much faster as a result of this change.

Persistent Partial Menus

If you have loaded a partial menu and then exit AutoCAD, the partial menu will be reloaded the next time you start AutoCAD.