You can write this G-code in any editor of your choice. If you want a more comprehensive list of G code commands, there is a table on Wikipedia. The coolant on / off is an example of an M command. Commands with the prefix M (many) transmit other instructions to the machine. The commands go, in the true sense of the word, from A (absolute or incremental position around the X axis rotating around X) to Z (absolute or incremental in the direction of the Z axis). This letter is used to convey travel or route commands to the machine. The name comes from the fact that many instructions in this code begin with the letter G. Different countries have different standards for this language. Since then, various organizations have developed versions of this programming language. This language was developed at MIT in the 1950s. G-Code is also known as the G programming language. The most widely used language for programming CAM machines is G-Code. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), which has become widespread in manufacturing, is now also carried out at home. All of these machines have one thing in common: they are computer controlled. You can buy these machines at a relatively low price as a kit or already assembled.

You don't have to design or build these machines yourself. There are also CNC mills, plotters, laser engravers, cutters, and even machines that you can build yourself. This trend has not stopped with 3D printers. Mechanical engineering as a hobby is finding more and more adopters. The publication of the source code of RepRap 3D printers for self-build and the availability of electronic components, such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi, are probably some of the causes of this boom. The construction of machines for the hobby sector is booming. G-Code, in turn, is useful for programming machines such as laser plotters and engravers.

This first article in the series will show how Inkscape's G-Code Tools extension can be used to produce G-Code. This series will show you some things you can do in addition to graphics with Inkscape. Inkscape can also do much more than graphics.

Svg to gcode inkscape