Integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is one of the most researched topics regarding modern manufacturing. Programming of CAD systems by utilizing the Application Programming Interface (API) and similar resources has become increasingly necessary in the past years, for the automation of routine engineering tasks, the development of tools and the analysis of complex processes. In the present paper, an effort was made to pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages that derive from the use of CAD-based programming, especially in the areas of design and manufacturing. For this purpose, a variety of relevant research works from the last decade has been processed and analyzed, with an aim to highlight the usefulness of CAD-based programming and its applications. In addition, the challenges and future trends have been identified as well. To visualize the research, the gathered research papers have been classified in terms of the publication year, research area, and application groups.