G-Code is the common name for the programming language of CNC Machines. Somewhat of a generic, catch-all type of term for CNC programming language. Very few machines adhere to this standard today. There are as many varations as there are manufacturers.
This is how I think of G-Code. It is a simple language built off of the Cartesian Coordinate System for motion control. I don’t know if that is exactly right but you will get my meaning in a second when we go through some code line by line. You will remember your High School Geometry soon enough. For the real pros out there you know there is much more to G-Code then that, but it is a good place to start.
You will see many variations of the G-Code name like:
Gcode
gcode
G-Code
g-code
G Code
G-Code
Are there other “Codes?”
In a word…Yes. We will get to that in a moment. G-code is also the name of any command in a CNC program that begins with the letter G. G-Codes generally tell the machine to perform an action. G-Codes can tell machine to move a certain distance in the X-Axis for example. Or, make a rapid move to another location. Or, move in an arcing fashion while milling. An on and on and on.
Here are some examples of G-Codes. Remember these change to a certain degree between CAM Software packages and CNC Machine Manufacturers.