What does "Parametric" mean in CAD context?

[d12dozr]

I've been looking at different CAD packages, and I see many of them listing "Parametric design" or "Parametric variables" as one of their qualities. I've searched a bit, but haven't found a good description of what that means in CAD context. Does anyone have a quick'n'easy definition or link?

Thanks,

Marcus

[mitcorb]

In my understanding, and as an Autocad user, parametric has to do with subroutines or commands that require user input for parameters or say numerical values such as this simple idea where the command is "scale" and the parameter you would input would be a number to increase or decrease the size such as 2x or .5x. Some commands would be more complex with more inputs. In Sketchup7 I would venture that Dynamic Components would sort of fall into this category, especially the adjustable staircase. Would this answer your question?

[toxicvoxel]

Generaly the definition would imply that entities that provide parametric support would allow you to manipulate them (as an alternative and complimetary to direct manual editing) by changing parameter values after the entities have been created. In the CAD context this may apply to simple entities like lines and arcs too in those applications that support it. You will generally find this feature in CAD apps that historicaly have a mechanical/product design bias.

[d12dozr]

Ah, thank you mitcorb, and toxicvoxel. Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for!

So basically its an easier way to change something once you've drawn it...its easy to see why they brag about that.