As we saw in Beginning Selections, the SelectObject(...) method provides a fairly quick and easy way to allow the user to select one or more objects. However, if you need interactive selection, but the ‘type array’ method could not provide enough control; allow me to introduce you to the selection method using mask triples.

Using SelectObject(...)

Adding an interactive selection routine also allows you to generalize your journal and make it more useful. Limiting, or filtering the allowed selection types is vital to getting your journal to work correctly.  The selection object will give you the power and flexibility needed for selecting one or more objects of one or more different types.

Using the Basic SelectObject(...)

(menu locations in this tutorial are based on NX 7.5, programming language is Visual Basic)

Where to start? The best place to start writing a journal is with the journal recorder. This wonder of modern technology will translate your interactions with NX to journal code, in your language of choice! (this article will use Visual Basic, or VB for short). If you are following along, let’s make sure the journal output language is set to VB before we start.