Not sure what an LLM brings to the table here.

I've been trying to learn traditional CAD, and found this observation enticing:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31471109

>Parametric CAD, in my view, is a perfect example of "visual programming", you have variables, iteration/patterning reducing repetition, composability of objects/sketches again reducing repetition, modularity of design though a hierarchy of assemblies. The alignment between programming principles and CAD modelling principles, while not immediately obvious, are very much there. An elegantly designed CAD model is just as beautiful (in its construction) as elegantly written code.

Obviously, it is fitting that a visual product is amenable to a visual approach/solution, so my question is, what programming environment for general purpose is most like to a parametric CAD system?

Yeah I think CAD is a perfect domain for this kind of thing, and IIRC that was one of the original target applications for Sketchpad, where Sutherland demonstrated constraint-based bridge design where the constraints were sketched in.

I agree I don't think LLMs really change the equation much.

For another look at where drawing-based programming has gone, see Dynamicland by Bret Victor. No LLMs required.