Skill Development Guide¶

Last Updated: January 21, 2026
Purpose: Learning roadmap for a solo developer with no prior experience in these technologies
Approach: Learn just-in-time, focused on what’s needed for each phase

How to Use This Document¶

This guide is organized by phase and timeline. Focus only on the skills needed for your current phase. Don’t try to learn everything at once.

Recommended approach:

Start with the current phase’s skills (Sprint: Jan 21 - Feb 24)
Spend 2-4 hours on foundational resources before attempting tasks
Use reference materials while working
Move to next phase’s skills 1-2 weeks before that phase starts

Quick Reference: Skills by Phase¶

Phase	Timeline	Primary Skills	Difficulty
Sprint	Jan 21 - Feb 24	InstallScript, VLIDE, AutoLISP basics	Medium
WiX Migration	Feb 24 - Mar 21	WiX Toolset, MSI concepts, Code signing	Medium-High
P2: Parity	Apr - May	Testing, AutoCAD scripting	Low-Medium
P3: Modern AutoCAD	Jun - Sep	.bundle format, ADN, App Store	Medium
P4: Cloud	Oct - Dec	Web services, licensing	High
P5: Web/AI	2027+	JavaScript, .NET, APS	High

Training & Professional Development Summary¶

This section mirrors the cover sheet and provides a consolidated view of all training activities.

Self-Study Resources (Free/Low-Cost)¶

Topic	Resource	Cost	Duration	Status
WiX Toolset 4.x	Official WiX Documentation	$0	10 hrs	🔜 P1B
WiX Toolset	Pluralsight: WiX Fundamentals	$29	4 hrs	🔜 P1B
AutoLISP/Visual LISP	Autodesk Knowledge Network (free)	$0	20 hrs	⏳ Active
VLIDE	AutoLISP Developer’s Guide (PDF)	$0	15 hrs	⏳ Active
DCL Dialog Design	DCL Reference Manual	$0	8 hrs	⏳ Active
MSI Packaging	Windows Installer SDK Docs	$0	10 hrs	🔜 P1B
Git/GitHub Actions	GitHub Learning Lab	$0	5 hrs	✅ Done

Certifications (Optional but Recommended)¶

Certification	Provider	Cost	Value Proposition	Timeline
Autodesk Certified Professional	Autodesk	$300	Credibility for App Store submissions	Sep 2026
AWS Solutions Architect Associate	AWS	$150	Cloud deployment knowledge	Q1 2027
GitHub Actions Certification	GitHub	$99	CI/CD pipeline expertise	Mar 2026

Hands-On Learning (Planned Activities)¶

Activity	Purpose	Phase	Hours
Reverse-engineer sample WiX installers	Learn MSI best practices	P1B	8
Build PoC .bundle for AutoCAD	Understand App Store requirements	P3	16
Attend Autodesk University (virtual)	Network + learn modern APIs	Nov 2026	20
Shadow AutoCAD plugin developers (forums)	Community best practices	Ongoing	4/mo

Knowledge Transfer Preparation¶

Deliverable	Purpose	Due Date
Video recording of build process	Onboarding future developers	Dec 2026
Runbook documentation	Support staff training	Dec 2026
Code comments and architecture docs	Maintainability	Nov 2026

Total Training Investment: $0-$578 (certification optional)
Total Training Hours: ~120 hours across 2026

Phase 1A: Sprint Skills (Jan 21 - Feb 24)¶

1. Windows XP Virtual Machine Setup¶

Why: InstallShield 5.x only runs on Windows XP
Time to learn: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Low

Core concepts:

Virtual machine basics (host vs guest)
Snapshots and rollback
Shared folders between host and VM
Network bridging for file transfer

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
VirtualBox Manual Ch. 1-3	Documentation	https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/	Free, comprehensive
VMware Workstation Player	Alternative	https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-player.html	Free for personal use
“Setting Up Windows XP in VirtualBox”	Video	YouTube search	Many tutorials available

Practice exercise:

Install VirtualBox or VMware
Create Windows XP VM from ISO
Install VirtualBox Guest Additions
Set up shared folder with host
Take a snapshot before making changes

2. InstallScript (InstallShield 5.x)¶

Why: Need to understand setup.rul (4,163 lines) and fix bugs
Time to learn: 8-16 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Core concepts to understand:

InstallScript syntax (C-like language)
Dialog functions (SdWelcome, SdAskDestPath, etc.)
File operations (CopyFile, DeleteFile, XCopyFile)
Registry operations (RegDBSetKeyValue, RegDBGetKeyValue)
String manipulation (StrFind, StrSub, StrLength)
Program execution (LaunchApp, WaitForProgram)

Key functions in our setup.rul:

// AutoCAD detection (buggy - needs fixing)
FindFile()
RenameFile()

// Menu registration (buggy - needs fixing)
RegDBGetKeyValue()
RegDBSetKeyValue()

// File installation
XCopyFile()
ComponentMoveData()

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Notes
InstallShield 5.x Help File	Documentation	Included with InstallShield installation
“InstallScript Language Reference”	PDF	Search for archived documentation
setup.rul (our file)	Reference	Read with comments, 4,163 lines

Learning approach:

Read setup.rul from top to bottom (2-3 hours)
Add comments to understand each section
Look up unfamiliar functions in help file
Identify the bug locations (AutoCAD detection, menu registration)
Practice small changes in isolated test projects

Practice exercise:

Create a simple “Hello World” installer in InstallShield
Add a dialog that asks for user input
Write a value to the registry
Copy a file to a destination folder
Read back the registry value to verify

3. AutoLISP Basics¶

Why: Need to understand the 77 LSP files and potential fixes
Time to learn: 8-16 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Core concepts:

LISP syntax (prefix notation, parentheses)
Variables and data types (setq, integers, reals, strings, lists)
Functions (defun, arguments, return values)
Conditionals (if, cond, and, or)
Loops (repeat, while, foreach)
AutoCAD interaction (command, getpoint, getstring, entsel)
File I/O (open, read-line, write-line, close)

Example - understanding our code:

;; From main.lsp - typical function structure
(defun C:CSV-MAIN ()
  (setq oldcmd (getvar "CMDECHO"))  ; Save current setting
  (setvar "CMDECHO" 0)              ; Turn off command echo
  ;; ... main logic ...
  (setvar "CMDECHO" oldcmd)         ; Restore setting
  (princ)                           ; Clean exit
)

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“AutoLISP Developer’s Guide”	Documentation	Autodesk Help	Official, comprehensive
AfraLISP Tutorial	Website	https://www.afralisp.net/	Beginner-friendly
“The AutoLISP Tutorial” by Tony Tanzillo	PDF	Search online	Classic resource
Lee Mac’s Website	Website	http://www.lee-mac.com/	Advanced examples

Practice exercise:

Load AutoCAD and open VLIDE (Tools → AutoLISP → Visual LISP Editor)
Type (+ 1 2) in console, press Enter → should return 3
Create a simple function that draws a line
Load one of our LSP files and trace through it
Add a (princ "DEBUG: reached here") statement to trace execution

4. Visual LISP IDE (VLIDE) & VLX Compilation¶

Why: Need to recompile VLX from LSP source files
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium

Core concepts:

VLIDE interface (Console, Editor, Project)
Loading LSP files (load function)
Creating projects (.prj files)
Compiling to FAS (single file compiled)
Packaging to VLX (multiple FAS files bundled)
Application paths and load order

VLX compilation steps:

Open VLIDE in AutoCAD
Create new project
Add all LSP files to project
Set compilation options
Build → Make Application → VLX
Test loading the VLX

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Notes
AutoCAD VLIDE Help	Documentation	Press F1 in VLIDE
“Creating VLX Applications”	Autodesk KB	Search Autodesk knowledge base
Our csv.lsp and main.lsp	Reference	Understand load order

Practice exercise:

Open VLIDE in AutoCAD
Load a single LSP file with (load "filename.lsp")
Create a project with 2-3 LSP files
Compile to VLX
Test the VLX loads correctly: (load "test.vlx")

5. DCL (Dialog Control Language)¶

Why: 43 dialog files define the UI - may need minor fixes
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium

Core concepts:

DCL file structure (dialog definition)
Control types (button, edit_box, list_box, popup_list, toggle, image)
Layout (row, column, boxed_row, boxed_column)
Callbacks (action expressions)
AutoLISP integration (load_dialog, start_dialog, done_dialog)

Example DCL structure:

// From calc_dlg.dcl - typical dialog
calc_dialog : dialog {
  label = "Calculator";
  : column {
    : edit_box {
      key = "input1";
      label = "Value 1:";
    }
    : edit_box {
      key = "input2";
      label = "Value 2:";
    }
  }
  ok_cancel;
}

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“DCL Programmer’s Reference”	Autodesk Help	Autodesk docs	Official reference
AfraLISP DCL Tutorials	Website	https://www.afralisp.net/dcl/	Step-by-step
Our *.dcl files	Reference	43 files to study

Practice exercise:

Open one of our DCL files (e.g., calc_dlg.dcl)
Find the corresponding LSP file (calc_dlg.lsp)
Understand how they connect (load_dialog, new_dialog, start_dialog)
Make a small change (label text) and test
Create a simple dialog from scratch

Phase 1B: WiX Migration Skills (Feb 24 - Mar 21)¶

6. Windows Installer (MSI) Concepts¶

Why: WiX creates MSI files - need to understand the underlying technology
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Core concepts:

Components and features
Installation sequences
Registry and file system operations
Custom actions
Conditions and properties
Upgrade and patch mechanisms

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“Windows Installer Concepts”	Microsoft Docs	docs.microsoft.com	Official concepts
“The Definitive Guide to Windows Installer”	Book	ISBN 1590592972	Comprehensive (older but valid)
Orca (MSI Editor)	Tool	Windows SDK	Inspect existing MSI files

7. WiX Toolset 4.x¶

Why: Modern installer framework replacing InstallShield
Time to learn: 16-24 hours
Difficulty: Medium-High

Core concepts:

WiX XML schema (Product, Package, Feature, Component)
Directory structure definition
File harvesting (heat.exe)
UI customization (WixUI)
Custom actions
Build integration

WiX file structure example:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<Wix xmlns="http://wixtoolset.org/schemas/v4/wxs">
  <Package Name="ConstructiVision"
           Manufacturer="ConstructiVision"
           Version="7.0.0.0"
           UpgradeCode="PUT-GUID-HERE">

    <MajorUpgrade DowngradeErrorMessage="Newer version installed." />

    <Feature Id="Main">
      <ComponentGroupRef Id="ProductComponents" />
    </Feature>
  </Package>
</Wix>

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
WiX Toolset Documentation	Official	https://wixtoolset.org/docs/	Start here
“WiX 4 Tutorial”	GitHub	github.com/wixtoolset	Official examples
FireGiant Tutorials	Website	https://www.firegiant.com/docs/wix/	Company behind WiX
Nick Ramirez’s WiX Tutorial	Website	Search online	Practical examples

Practice exercise:

Install WiX Toolset 4.x
Create “Hello World” MSI that installs one file
Add a registry key
Add a custom dialog
Build and test install/uninstall
Examine the MSI with Orca

8. Code Signing¶

Why: Required for SmartScreen trust and App Store
Time to learn: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Low (but requires purchase)

Core concepts:

Certificate types (Standard vs EV)
Certificate stores
SignTool.exe usage
Timestamp servers
SmartScreen reputation

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“SignTool Documentation”	Microsoft Docs	docs.microsoft.com	Official tool docs
DigiCert Code Signing Guide	Vendor	digicert.com	Purchase + instructions
Sectigo Code Signing	Vendor	sectigo.com	Alternative vendor

Certificate purchase checklist:

Choose vendor (DigiCert, Sectigo, Certum)
EV certificate recommended ($400-700/year)
Complete identity verification (takes days)
Set up hardware token (EV requires this)
Configure SignTool in build process

Phase 2: Parity Testing Skills (Apr - May)¶

9. Software Testing Fundamentals¶

Why: Need to verify rebuilt software matches original behavior
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Low

Core concepts:

Test cases and expected results
Regression testing
Manual vs automated testing
Test documentation
Bug tracking

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“Software Testing Fundamentals”	Website	softwaretestingfundamentals.com	Free basics
“The Art of Software Testing”	Book	ISBN 1118031962	Classic reference

10. AutoCAD Scripting for Testing¶

Why: Automate repetitive tests across AutoCAD versions
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium

Core concepts:

SCR (script) files
Command-line AutoCAD
Batch processing
Output comparison

Example test script:

; test_panel.scr
; Load ConstructiVision and run a test
(load "csv.vlx")
CSV-MAIN
; Navigate dialog, enter test values
; Save output for comparison
QSAVE
QUIT

Phase 3: Modern AutoCAD Skills (Jun - Sep)¶

11. AutoCAD .bundle Format¶

Why: Required for AutoCAD 2006+ and App Store
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Core concepts:

PackageContents.xml structure
Application registration
Version targeting
AutoCAD ApplicationPlugins folder

Bundle structure:

ConstructiVision.bundle/
├── PackageContents.xml
├── Contents/
│   ├── csv.vlx
│   ├── *.dcl
│   └── Resources/

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
“PackageContents.xml Format”	Autodesk Help	help.autodesk.com	Official spec
Autodesk App Store Developer Guide	Documentation	apps.autodesk.com/developers	Submission requirements

12. Autodesk Developer Network (ADN)¶

Why: Required for App Store access and support
Time to learn: 2-4 hours (registration process)
Difficulty: Low (administrative)

Steps:

Create Autodesk account
Apply for ADN Developer membership (~$500/year)
Review App Store guidelines
Complete publisher profile
Prepare submission materials

Resources:

Resource	Type	Link
ADN Membership	Website	https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network
App Store Publisher Guide	Documentation	apps.autodesk.com

Phase 4: Cloud Skills (Oct - Dec)¶

13. Web Services Fundamentals¶

Why: Subscription and licensing services
Time to learn: 16-24 hours
Difficulty: High

Core concepts:

HTTP/REST basics
JSON data format
API design
Authentication (OAuth, API keys)
Database basics

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
freeCodeCamp	Course	freecodecamp.org	Free, comprehensive
“REST API Tutorial”	Website	restapitutorial.com	Quick reference
Postman Learning Center	Tool + Tutorials	postman.com	API testing tool

14. Software Licensing Concepts¶

Why: Need to implement subscription/entitlement system
Time to learn: 4-8 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Core concepts:

License types (perpetual, subscription, seat-based)
Entitlement verification
Offline grace periods
License servers vs cloud verification

Phase 5: Web/AI Skills (2027+)¶

15. JavaScript/TypeScript¶

Why: Browser-based utilities and web UI
Time to learn: 40-80 hours
Difficulty: High

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
JavaScript.info	Tutorial	javascript.info	Modern, comprehensive
TypeScript Handbook	Documentation	typescriptlang.org	Official docs
freeCodeCamp JavaScript	Course	freecodecamp.org	Free certification

16. .NET Web Development¶

Why: Backend services and API
Time to learn: 40-80 hours
Difficulty: High

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
Microsoft Learn	Course	learn.microsoft.com	Official, free
“ASP.NET Core in Action”	Book	ISBN 1617298301	Comprehensive

17. Autodesk Platform Services (APS)¶

Why: Design Automation API for headless AutoCAD
Time to learn: 24-40 hours
Difficulty: High

Recommended resources:

Resource	Type	Link	Notes
APS Documentation	Official	aps.autodesk.com	Start here
Autodesk University Classes	Videos	autodesk.com/autodesk-university	Free recordings
Forge (legacy name) Tutorials	GitHub	github.com/Autodesk-Forge	Code samples

Learning Schedule Recommendation¶

Sprint Phase (Now - Feb 24)¶

Week	Focus	Hours	Activities
Week 1 (Jan 21-27)	VM + InstallScript	8-12	Set up XP VM, read setup.rul
Week 2 (Jan 27 - Feb 3)	InstallScript + AutoLISP	8-12	Fix bugs, study LSP files
Week 3 (Feb 3-10)	VLIDE + DCL	6-8	Compile VLX, test dialogs
Week 4-5 (Feb 10-24)	Testing	4-6	OS/AutoCAD compatibility

Pre-WiX Phase (Feb 17-24)¶

Day	Focus	Hours	Activities
Mon-Tue	MSI Concepts	4	Read Windows Installer docs
Wed-Thu	WiX Basics	4	Install WiX, “Hello World”
Fri	WiX Practice	2	Simple installer project

Pre-P3 Phase (May)¶

Week	Focus	Hours	Activities
Week 1	.bundle format	4	Read docs, create structure
Week 2	ADN Registration	4	Sign up, review guidelines

Tips for Self-Learning¶

General Approach¶

Time-box learning - Don’t spend more than 2-4 hours on theory before practicing
Learn by doing - Create small test projects before touching production code
Take notes - Document what you learn in comments or separate notes
Use AI assistance - Ask Claude/Copilot to explain code you don’t understand
Accept imperfection - First attempt won’t be perfect; iterate

When You’re Stuck¶

Read error messages carefully - They often tell you exactly what’s wrong
Search the exact error message - Someone else has probably hit it
Check official documentation - Often more accurate than blog posts
Ask in forums - Stack Overflow, Autodesk forums, Reddit
Take a break - Fresh eyes often find the problem

Recommended Daily Routine¶

Morning (2 hrs):
- 30 min: Review yesterday's progress
- 90 min: Focused work on current task

Afternoon (2 hrs):
- 60 min: Continue work or address blockers
- 30 min: Document progress and learnings
- 30 min: Preview tomorrow's tasks, identify learning needs

Quick Reference Card¶

InstallScript Common Functions¶

// File operations
CopyFile(szSrc, szDest);
XCopyFile(szSrc, szDest, nOp);
DeleteFile(szFile);
FindFile(szPath, szFile, szResult);
RenameFile(szOld, szNew);

// Registry
RegDBSetKeyValue(szKey, szName, nType, szValue, nSize);
RegDBGetKeyValue(szKey, szName, nType, szValue, nSize);

// Dialogs
SdWelcome(szTitle, szMsg);
SdAskDestPath(szTitle, szMsg, szDir, nReserved);
SdFinish(szTitle, szMsg1, szMsg2, szOpt1, szOpt2, bOpt1, bOpt2);

AutoLISP Common Functions¶

;; Variables
(setq x 10)
(setq name "test")

;; Math
(+ 1 2) → 3
(* 3 4) → 12

;; Strings
(strcat "Hello" " " "World") → "Hello World"
(strlen "test") → 4

;; Lists
(list 1 2 3) → (1 2 3)
(car '(1 2 3)) → 1
(cdr '(1 2 3)) → (2 3)

;; Conditionals
(if (= x 10) (princ "yes") (princ "no"))

;; AutoCAD
(command "LINE" pt1 pt2 "")
(getpoint "\nPick a point: ")
(getstring "\nEnter name: ")

WiX Basic Structure¶

<Wix xmlns="http://wixtoolset.org/schemas/v4/wxs">
  <Package Name="AppName" Version="1.0.0.0" 
           Manufacturer="Company" UpgradeCode="GUID">
    <Feature Id="Main">
      <Component Directory="INSTALLFOLDER">
        <File Source="myfile.exe" />
      </Component>
    </Feature>
  </Package>
</Wix>

Skill Development Guide¶

How to Use This Document¶

Quick Reference: Skills by Phase¶

Training & Professional Development Summary¶

Self-Study Resources (Free/Low-Cost)¶

Certifications (Optional but Recommended)¶

Hands-On Learning (Planned Activities)¶

Knowledge Transfer Preparation¶

Phase 1A: Sprint Skills (Jan 21 - Feb 24)¶

1. Windows XP Virtual Machine Setup¶

2. InstallScript (InstallShield 5.x)¶

3. AutoLISP Basics¶

4. Visual LISP IDE (VLIDE) & VLX Compilation¶

5. DCL (Dialog Control Language)¶

Phase 1B: WiX Migration Skills (Feb 24 - Mar 21)¶

6. Windows Installer (MSI) Concepts¶

7. WiX Toolset 4.x¶

8. Code Signing¶

Phase 2: Parity Testing Skills (Apr - May)¶

9. Software Testing Fundamentals¶

10. AutoCAD Scripting for Testing¶

Phase 3: Modern AutoCAD Skills (Jun - Sep)¶

11. AutoCAD .bundle Format¶

12. Autodesk Developer Network (ADN)¶

Phase 4: Cloud Skills (Oct - Dec)¶

13. Web Services Fundamentals¶

14. Software Licensing Concepts¶

Phase 5: Web/AI Skills (2027+)¶

15. JavaScript/TypeScript¶

16. .NET Web Development¶

17. Autodesk Platform Services (APS)¶

Learning Schedule Recommendation¶

Sprint Phase (Now - Feb 24)¶

Pre-WiX Phase (Feb 17-24)¶

Pre-P3 Phase (May)¶

Tips for Self-Learning¶

General Approach¶

When You’re Stuck¶

Recommended Daily Routine¶

Tool Setup Checklist¶

Immediate (Sprint)¶

Phase 1B (WiX)¶

Phase 3 (Modern AutoCAD)¶

Quick Reference Card¶

InstallScript Common Functions¶

AutoLISP Common Functions¶

WiX Basic Structure¶