Is it possible with the SDK?

Question

Is it possible to use the Illustrator's tools while making an extension/plug-in? What I mean is: Can I "take" the Illustrator Scissors to cut a path at some point/anchor? Can I "ask" Simplify tool to simplify some path with some parameters? Can I use Pathfinder to crop some object? etc.
I look at the SDK/Scripting manual and I see no way to use the tools. I see objects and their properties. It is possible to do only basic operations like "move, reflect, change color". How about using the tools?!
In my imagination the scripting/plug-in development should be similar to Actions creation, but more advanced. Like:
1. Create a rectangle.
2. Apply "round corners" effect.
3. Crop with another rectangle.
4. Duplicate.
5. Move.
6. Unite.
7. Apply ZigZag effect.
8. Simplify, 80%, ...
And I am surprised to see that SDK does not have/show the way to use the standard/built-in tools.
Please point me in the right direction. How to use the tools? Any sample source code?

Answer 1

The ActionManagerSuite contains lots of useful stuff you may be able to use. Look through the header files in Adobe Illustrator CS6 SDK / illustratorapi / illustrator / actions /
Particularly "AIObjectAction.h"
A properly set up AIActionParamValueRef will allow you to use a lot of Illustrator core functionality that may not be available through the other Suites. The name of the action you want can be found in the action palette by creating an action and adding the function you want to use.
It's been a while since I used this, but I think I got the enumerated value by watching the returned integer "value" in:
ASErr ASAPI(* AIActionManagerSuite::AIActionGetEnumerated)(AIActionParamValueRef param, ActionParamKeyID key, char *name, ai::int32 *value) while stepping through in the debugger.
This did a merge of selected art, I think. It may help get you started.
AIActionParamValueRef
crop_VPB = NULL;
char
crop_name[] = "Crop";
AIErr
result = kNoErr;
result = sAIActionManager->AINewActionParamValue(&crop_VPB);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetEnumerated (crop_VPB, 'name', crop_name, 9);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'objt', true);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'fill', true);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'strk', true);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'smth', true);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetInteger(crop_VPB, 'step', 256);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetUnitReal(crop_VPB, 'thck', unitPoints, (AIReal).0072);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetUnitReal(crop_VPB, 'prec', unitPoints, (AIReal).0072);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'remv', true);
result = sAIActionManager->AIActionSetBoolean(crop_VPB, 'extr', true);
result = sAIActionManager->PlayActionEvent( "ai_plugin_pathfinder", kDialogNone, crop_VPB);
if(crop_VPB != NULL) result = sAIActionManager->AIDeleteActionParamValue(crop_VPB);